SELF-RESTRAINT Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

self-restraint

noun

ˌself-ri-ˈstrānt

Definition of self-restraint

as in restraint

the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions she demonstrated an almost unnatural self-restraint during the fight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in discipline

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others we must practice self-restraint even with people who are deliberately rude

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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-restraint Eid al-Fitr is a time of renewal after Ramadan's month of spiritual cleansing, self-restraint and contemplation and is a joyous time to spend with friends and family. — C. A. Bridges, Oklahoman, 14 Mar. 2026 For the growing Muslim community in the Bay Area, abstaining from eating or drinking during the day is regarded as an act of worship by practicing self-restraint, growing closer to God and empathizing with people who are poor and hungry. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026 The devout see benefits, including practicing self-restraint, cultivating gratitude and empathizing with people who are poor and hungry. — Mariam Fam, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026 Eid al-Fitr is a joyous time of renewal spent with friends and family after the month of spiritual cleansing, self-restraint and contemplation. — Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-restraint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-restraint

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

Browse Nearby Words

self-respect

self-restraint

self-revelation

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“Self-restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-restraint. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-restraint

noun

Example Sentences

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