willpower
noun
will·pow·er
ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 
: the ability to control one's own actions, emotions, or urges
Alcoholics can't stop drinking through willpower alone: they need to alter behavior … that triggers the impulse to drink.—
James Atlas
James AtlasI'm not talking about facing up to hard work or discipline, as if the problem were faulty willpower or a poor character.—Patricia Hampl
Patricia Hampl
also
: strong determination that allows one to do something difficult
He [Nicolas Sarkozy] … brokered a huge trade deal with China and generally signaled that he could redefine his country through sheer willpower alone. —Bruce Crumley
Bruce Crumley Examples of willpower in a Sentence
The dessert buffet tested my willpower.
He conquered his drinking problem through sheer willpower.
Recent Examples on the Web
Similarly, people tend to eat less healthily for dinner because their willpower and decision-making energy are depleted throughout the day.
—Aslak De Silva, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Viewers will witness history as the first-ever double amputee survivor, Mandy Horvath, takes on the brutal wilderness of Belize's dense and unforgiving jungles — a challenge that goes beyond the wild, serving as a testament to sheer willpower, determination and resilience.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
She was obsessed with willpower, seemed to view psychopathy as liberational and aspirational, and claimed mind control.
—Aja Romano, Vox, 24 Feb. 2025
This Offseason Nevertheless, Sasaki chose the Dodgers, not because of their financial willpower, but because of the reputation the organization has built for being great.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willpower
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Aslak De Silva, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Viewers will witness history as the first-ever double amputee survivor, Mandy Horvath, takes on the brutal wilderness of Belize's dense and unforgiving jungles — a challenge that goes beyond the wild, serving as a testament to sheer willpower, determination and resilience.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
She was obsessed with willpower, seemed to view psychopathy as liberational and aspirational, and claimed mind control.
—Aja Romano, Vox, 24 Feb. 2025
This Offseason Nevertheless, Sasaki chose the Dodgers, not because of their financial willpower, but because of the reputation the organization has built for being great.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willpower
Cite this Entry
“Willpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willpower. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
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willpower
noun
will·pow·er
ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r
: strong determination
the temptation tested her willpower
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