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

Relevance

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

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-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

Inspired by Chelsea’s rich artistic, literary, and musical heritage, the interiors layer texture, color, and history with remarkable restraint.

— Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026
The shipping logjam at the canal continues to pile up, with the new restraints compounding prior traffic increases stemming from the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

Seventeen years later, Johnson has been appointed to the BART Police Civilian Review Board, giving him a formal role in reviewing misconduct findings, police policies and recommendations for officer discipline.

— Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
The administration further proposed ending data collection on racial disparities in school discipline.

— Claire Sibonney, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of discipline

Browse Nearby Words

self-respect

self-restraint

self-revelation

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Self-restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-restraint. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of self-restraint

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

kith

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 28

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes