1
as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
she demonstrated an almost unnatural self-restraint during the fight
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2
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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Recent Examples of self-restraint
Practice self-restraint as the moon clashes with Mars.
—
USA TODAY, 1 Jan. 2025
Such self-restraint is vital for AI systems in fields like healthcare, finance and autonomous vehicles, where unchecked intelligence could lead to unintended consequences.
—Amandeep Midha, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Emery traded in the candour of the Diaby and Bailey axis for self-restraint, with a midfield consisting of four central midfielders; safer on the ball and playing in pockets of space.
—Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 17 July 2024
Planning for potential conflict—not to mention decision-making in the heat of a crisis—will be more challenging if Canberra, Tokyo, and Seoul question American intent or self-restraint.
—Michael Green, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
USA TODAY, 1 Jan. 2025
Such self-restraint is vital for AI systems in fields like healthcare, finance and autonomous vehicles, where unchecked intelligence could lead to unintended consequences.
—Amandeep Midha, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Emery traded in the candour of the Diaby and Bailey axis for self-restraint, with a midfield consisting of four central midfielders; safer on the ball and playing in pockets of space.
—Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 17 July 2024
Planning for potential conflict—not to mention decision-making in the heat of a crisis—will be more challenging if Canberra, Tokyo, and Seoul question American intent or self-restraint.
—Michael Green, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for self-restraint
Cite this Entry
“Self-restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-restraint. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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