willpower

noun

ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce willpower (audio)
Definition of willpowernext
as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions trying to summon the willpower to resist buying any more books before finishing the unread ones I already have

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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 willpower Know When to Scale Back Hot-weather exercise isn’t a test of willpower. — Jakob Roze, Health, 28 July 2026 Forget cookies or ice cream—put me within arm’s reach of a bag of salty, fried, starchy goodness and all my willpower disappears. — Kinsey Gidick, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2026 The obese person once judged for lacking willpower may instead be judged for failing to comply with treatment, failing to lose enough weight, or failing to remain on medication. — Max Moser, STAT, 9 July 2026 Kim eventually develops the ability to enter into a trance state, which Kipling portrays as a source of willpower and focus. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for willpower
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willpower
  1. restraint
  2. self-control
Noun
  • But what ultimately saves the film is Hathaway's remarkable restraint in conveying Kym's deep pain and remorse over an unimaginable family tragedy.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The employees weren’t wearing hair restraints, some dry foods weren’t labeled and there was a flea infestation underneath the mop sink.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of restraint
Noun
  • Vulgarity is not permitted in Abnegation, where self-control is paramount.
    — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
  • As the South American and world champions tired, their self-control slipped.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of self-control

Browse Nearby Words

willowy
willpower
wills
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Cite this Entry

“Willpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willpower. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of willpower for Spanish Speakers

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