SELF-COMMAND Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

self-command

noun

ˌself-kə-ˈmand

Definition of self-command

as in restraint

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others a witness practicing remarkable self-command under intense questioning by several members of Congress

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in temperance

the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions an aloof man of great self-command but little charm

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-command He was shaped in San Antonio by an environment that demanded alertness, self-command, and the ability to read the room quickly. — Matt Emma, USA Today, 13 May 2026 In his mind, the army was not a caste apart but an instrument of the republic – an arena in which self-command and civic virtue were tested. — Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-command

Noun

If the answer is yes, then waiting ceases to be a strategy of restraint and begins to look like gradual erosion of power and strength.

— Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Meghna Gulzar has a very distinctive voice and an ability to approach difficult subjects with both restraint and intensity.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

The university, like campuses nationwide, is barred by federal privacy law from discussing individual discipline cases or internal deliberations, even when a student goes public.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Eisenhower possessed iron discipline, sunny self-confidence and a mind that loved organizational challenges.

— John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of discipline

Noun

Ampadu’s tenacity in the tackle, composure on the ball and his long throw — an emerging weapon — all contributed to the team’s strong showings.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Willis showed good composure, arm strength, accuracy and decision-making, going 4-for-5 passing for 43 yards while leading the Dolphins on a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of composure

Noun

However, these reports cannot cover every human rights violation that experts know about, especially in countries with low government transparency or high levels of repression.

— K. Chad Clay, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
Indeed, conflict and calamities are major factors in financial repression.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of repression

Noun

As art and its creators have shed their inhibitions in this post-Sadean world, politicians and cultural commentators have reliably lined up to condemn this total freedom of expression as being dangerous to society.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Put inhibitions aside to experience the latest episode of Doc Talk, hosted by John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, Shirley), and Matt Carey, Deadline’s senior documentary editor.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 June 2026

Definition of inhibition

Noun

In both studies, the pill maintained viral suppression at rates comparable to patients’ previous regimens at 48 weeks and was generally well tolerated with no new safety concerns.

— Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Trump’s Postal Service has issued a 95-page rule to implement his restrictions on mail voting, despite a federal court order against that voter suppression scheme.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026