WILLPOWER Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

willpower

noun

ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r

Definition of willpower

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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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 The inclusion of these and other holistic practices suggests that treatment providers are recognizing that recovery is rarely sustained through willpower alone. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 Brunson, the 6-2 poster child for willpower and odds-defiance, made a rare reference to the critics who had dismissed him as too small to be the leading player on a championship team. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 18 June 2026 Better systems beat willpower as clumsy Chiron enters your 6th House of Work and Health, reminding you that mistakes teach faster than shame. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2026 In today’s food environment, addiction to UPFs should not be written off as a lack of personal willpower, said Forman, who researches ultraprocessed food addiction. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for willpower

Recent Examples of Synonyms for willpower

Noun

Under an existing state appropriations restraint, also known as the Gann Limit, lawmakers cannot spend more than an amount determined by a formula that takes annual tax proceeds, changes to the population and cost of living into consideration.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
For 70 minutes, Paraguay had played with corseted restraint, frustrating France with organisation, concentration and no little gamesmanship.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

Practice kindness, and goodness and faithfulness and gentleness and self-control.

— Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Temperance, moderation, self-control, discernment – qualities such as these add up to a timeless excellence of character that cannot be faked.

— Ross Channing Reed, The Conversation, 5 June 2026

Definition of self-control

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willowy

willpower

wills

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“Willpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willpower. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of willpower

noun

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