self-control

[self-kuhn-trohl, self-] / ˈsɛlf kənˈtroʊl, ˌsɛlf- /

NOUN

willpower over one's actions

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dignity discretion poise restraint reticence self-discipline sobriety stoicism

STRONG

abstemiousness aplomb balance constraint discipline repression reserve self-government stability

WEAK

self-constraint strength of character

Antonyms

STRONG

instability

WEAK

agitation rashness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Qualities like grit or self-control influenced overall performance, but they did not prevent people from having less productive days.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026

Holding back a child can be a good option to allow children extra time to develop self-control and self-regulation skills vital for the classroom, said Stanford professor Thomas Dee, who has studied red-shirting.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Given the attention-sucking power of mainstream devices and software, "this is not about self-control anymore," Tang added.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

He credits his parents, neither of whom went to college, and the military for giving him a strong sense of self-control.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

Pa is the only one who still has self-control, and our constant fights do not drive him over the edge.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung

Vocabulary lists containing self-control

Promises to Keep

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History is made in PA: Clinton's DNC Acceptance Speech

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Loser

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