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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Recent Examples of willpower
Inside rehab, his recovery was built around medication, not willpower.
—
Ethan Brooks, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2025
And that system breaks down when it’s built solely on pain avoidance or short bursts of willpower.
—Katy Gala, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
In a test of her willpower, Janine struggles to continue subduing her innate need to coddle kids.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
Childhood obesity is not a willpower problem, and the rise of early-onset Alzheimer’s is not a genetic cause.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for willpower
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willpower
Noun
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What Happens Next Escalating tensions between India and Pakistan have prompted calls from the U.S. and world powers urging both sides to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic de-escalation.—
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Drug companies in the U.S. face few restraints on what to charge for their products.—
Noun
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Even small amounts can damage a child’s brain function, affecting their behavior, IQ and self-control.—
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He's obviously come a long way in terms of drinking and self-control from that night.—
Cite this Entry
“Willpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willpower. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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