Synonyms of willpower

willpower

noun

ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restraint
• self-control
• determination
• nerve
• self-discipline
• will
• temperance
• composure
• self-restraint
• self-mastery
• discipline
• confidence
• temperateness
• self-command
• self-government
• self-possession
• continence
• self-containment
• moderation
• assurance
• mastery
• abnegation
• self-denial
• control
• abstention
• self-confidence
• self-abnegation
• avoidance
• abstinence
• sobriety
• forbearance
• moderateness
• soberness
• poise
• equanimity
• coolness
• command
• discretion
• aplomb
• eschewal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indulgence
• gratification
• overindulgence
• weakness
• intemperance
• failing
• excessiveness
• vice
• feebleness
• self-indulgence
• fault
• shortcoming
• frailty
• demerit
• foible
• intemperateness
• indiscipline
• immoderacy
• unrestraint
• unconstraint
• unreserve
• unreservedness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of willpower

Automation over willpower That same idea applies to everyday finances. —Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026

Think of me as your tech buddy who’s out here spending her time, energy, and, honestly, a bit of willpower finding the best deals for you. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026

One of the first clues that the conventional wisdom about willpower was wrong came in 2015. —Francine Russo, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2026

For decades, psychologists believed willpower would help people get better grades in school, establish healthier diets, gain successful careers and more. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 12 Mar. 2026