1
as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
toddlers have very little self-control
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in discipline
the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others
she could be passionate and intense, but generally exercised steely self-control in the company of strangers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of self-control
Allowing your children more privacy develops independence, self-control, resilience, and emotional fortitude, says Dr. Strohman.
—
wendy Wisner, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
Our findings showed that individuals reporting higher levels of daily mindfulness showed greater self-control capacity, and this translated to a greater ability to manage work-home conflict (e.g., politely escorting unwelcome children out of Zoom meetings).
—Ellen Choi, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
The self-discipline, nurturance, and confidence required to build a trusting relationship with their equine partner gave them new physical and emotional strength and enabled them to embody the ideal of white womanhood: middle-class, self-controlled, and maternal.
—Rebecca Scofield / Made By History, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025
Individuals with this belief tend to maintain higher levels of self-control and energy even after demanding tasks, experiencing less mental fatigue.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-control
wendy Wisner, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
Our findings showed that individuals reporting higher levels of daily mindfulness showed greater self-control capacity, and this translated to a greater ability to manage work-home conflict (e.g., politely escorting unwelcome children out of Zoom meetings).
—Ellen Choi, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
The self-discipline, nurturance, and confidence required to build a trusting relationship with their equine partner gave them new physical and emotional strength and enabled them to embody the ideal of white womanhood: middle-class, self-controlled, and maternal.
—Rebecca Scofield / Made By History, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025
Individuals with this belief tend to maintain higher levels of self-control and energy even after demanding tasks, experiencing less mental fatigue.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control
Noun
-
It was struck down by the courts, which said such rules were an unfair restraint on the ability of athletes to capitalize on their NIL rights.—
Seth Emerson,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
-
But when taken together, the quotes suggest a belief there are few practical or legal restraints on a president.—
Axios,
Axios,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Mendez is a strategic community builder, storyteller, and connector with 5 years of experience spanning marketing, editorial, and corporate disciplines.—
Ayisha Miracle Mendez,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Of her 100 wins, 63 have come from slalom events, while 37 have stemmed from non-slalom disciplines.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
And how could anyone resist letting go of pesky inhibitions with Herman’s empowering score filling up Pasadena Playhouse with pure effervescence.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Nov. 2024
-
This could be a time to release these inhibitions and accept new journeys rather than being stuck in old patterns.—
Athena Sobhan,
People.com,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The regime has intensified its control through evil levels of repression over the past three years.—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Zelensky ordered this punishing act of political repression without due process or court proceedings.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-control. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share