willpower
noun
will·pow·er
ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 
: the ability to control one's own actions, emotions, or urges
Alcoholics can't stop drinking through willpower alone: they need to alter behavior … that triggers the impulse to drink.—
James Atlas
James AtlasI'm not talking about facing up to hard work or discipline, as if the problem were faulty willpower or a poor character.—Patricia Hampl
Patricia Hampl
also
: strong determination that allows one to do something difficult
He [Nicolas Sarkozy] … brokered a huge trade deal with China and generally signaled that he could redefine his country through sheer willpower alone. —Bruce Crumley
Bruce Crumley Synonyms
Examples of willpower in a Sentence
The dessert buffet tested my willpower.
He conquered his drinking problem through sheer willpower.
Recent Examples on the Web
This approach is exhausting and drains the limited willpower we are meant to conserve.
—Shane Enete, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Put your energy into figuring out the best way to achieve your goal and executing your willpower and physical attributes to succeed.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024
That comes alongside increasing awareness that obesity is not an issue of personal willpower but a nuanced condition affected by societal policies and problems, including food insecurity in rural and historically marginalized communities.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 15 Nov. 2024
The Germans were not lacking in willpower and gave their all right to the end.
—Sam Amick, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for willpower 
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Shane Enete, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Put your energy into figuring out the best way to achieve your goal and executing your willpower and physical attributes to succeed.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024
That comes alongside increasing awareness that obesity is not an issue of personal willpower but a nuanced condition affected by societal policies and problems, including food insecurity in rural and historically marginalized communities.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 15 Nov. 2024
The Germans were not lacking in willpower and gave their all right to the end.
—Sam Amick, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for willpower
Dictionary Entries Near willpower
Cite this Entry
“Willpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willpower. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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willpower
noun
will·pow·er
ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r
: strong determination
the temptation tested her willpower
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