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
Remember, patience and understanding go a long way in helping toddlers develop self-control and emotional regulation.
—
Cynthia Hanson, Parents, 2 Jan. 2025
For many people, intellectual abilities, executive function (aspects of thinking that include planning, memory, and self-control), social skills, and empathy continue to improve throughout adulthood.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 31 Dec. 2024
On the other hand, if your social media app of choice elicits feelings of insufficiency, and self-control resources are burned up by exerting will power to avoid consuming products, or regulating hard emotions, than that experience is important to notice.
—Ellen Choi, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Furthermore, the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University underscores that core life skills—including planning, focus, self-control, awareness, and flexibility—are vital for managing school, work, and social relationships successfully.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-control 
Cynthia Hanson, Parents, 2 Jan. 2025
For many people, intellectual abilities, executive function (aspects of thinking that include planning, memory, and self-control), social skills, and empathy continue to improve throughout adulthood.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 31 Dec. 2024
On the other hand, if your social media app of choice elicits feelings of insufficiency, and self-control resources are burned up by exerting will power to avoid consuming products, or regulating hard emotions, than that experience is important to notice.
—Ellen Choi, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Furthermore, the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University underscores that core life skills—including planning, focus, self-control, awareness, and flexibility—are vital for managing school, work, and social relationships successfully.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-control
Noun
-
The Department of Education has said in its restraint and seclusion resource document there is no evidence restraint and seclusion reduce problem behaviors.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
26 Jan. 2025
-
The tether, or rope, is a restraint tool, according to the report.—
Julia Marnin,
Sacramento Bee,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Saturn, on the other hand, brings the energy of discipline, structure and accountability to the mystical realm of Pisces.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
17 Jan. 2025
-
His biggest flaws, like gap discipline, can be coached up.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Two of them were responsible for overexpression in the cellular differentiation process, while one was responsible for inhibition.—
Michael Franco,
New Atlas,
26 Dec. 2024
-
Carbonic anhydrase inhibition ameliorates tau toxicity via enhanced tau secretion.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2024
Noun
-
For Evie, the attraction is tied to childhood repression.—
Daniel Fienberg,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Jan. 2025
-
Presiding over the Maldives from 1978 to 2008, Gayoom set the tone for the current levels of political repression.—
Rob Crossan,
JSTOR Daily,
17 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near self-control
Cite this Entry
“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-control. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share