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

I'm not talking about facing up to hard work or discipline, as if the problem were faulty willpower or a poor character.

—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

Synonyms

• restraint
• self-control

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

The Chariot is a card of forward motion, confidence, and victory through sheer willpower. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025

The combine is their final opportunity to display their speed, power, strength, agility, willpower and professionalism to prospective employers before the 2025 NHL Draft. —Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 31 May 2025

The latest Costco bakery item to test my willpower (and win) is the strawberry streusel cheesecake. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025

Because the global community lacks the willpower to assign a high price to carbon emissions, emission rates are far too high. —Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for willpower

• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower
• mayflower
• safflower
• sunflower
• wallflower
• watchtower

Kids Definition

willpower

noun

will·​pow·​er ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

: strong determination

the temptation tested her willpower