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
In 2012, for example, 49% of Americans responding to the General Social Survey, a long-standing national survey that measures societal change, said Black-white differences in income, housing and jobs were due to a lack of willpower on the part of Black people.
—Karyn Vilbig, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2025
Democrats have, in fairness, shown a few glimmers of willpower of late: Fifteen attorneys general promised to oppose Trump’s plans to ban gender-affirming care this week, and members of Congress attempted more fervently to stall Trump’s nominations, or at least vote as an opposition bloc.
—Samantha Riedel, Them, 7 Feb. 2025
The Bottom Line: Tackle The Identity Shift The biggest hurdle, says Gill, is the mindset shift that creates the idea of being a person who behaves in certain ways, as opposed a person who uses willpower to crush a checklist.
—Janine MacLachlan, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
Ultimately, the Cougars’ willpower won out at Allen Fieldhouse, while crucial mistakes cost No. 12 KU (14-5, 5-3 Big 12).
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willpower
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Karyn Vilbig, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2025
Democrats have, in fairness, shown a few glimmers of willpower of late: Fifteen attorneys general promised to oppose Trump’s plans to ban gender-affirming care this week, and members of Congress attempted more fervently to stall Trump’s nominations, or at least vote as an opposition bloc.
—Samantha Riedel, Them, 7 Feb. 2025
The Bottom Line: Tackle The Identity Shift The biggest hurdle, says Gill, is the mindset shift that creates the idea of being a person who behaves in certain ways, as opposed a person who uses willpower to crush a checklist.
—Janine MacLachlan, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
Ultimately, the Cougars’ willpower won out at Allen Fieldhouse, while crucial mistakes cost No. 12 KU (14-5, 5-3 Big 12).
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 26 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 9 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
willpower
noun
will·pow·er
ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r
: strong determination
the temptation tested her willpower
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