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
Decades later, Peters’ belief in willpower over want still resonates.
—Michelle Stacey, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2024
A little bit of hit and giggle, which is the antithesis of Test matches - named aptly because even sitting through five days of cricket can be a test of patience and willpower for a match that can last a working week and still end in a draw.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for willpower 
Michelle Stacey, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2024
A little bit of hit and giggle, which is the antithesis of Test matches - named aptly because even sitting through five days of cricket can be a test of patience and willpower for a match that can last a working week and still end in a draw.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for willpower
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'willpower.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near willpower
Cite this Entry
“Willpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willpower. Accessed 29 May. 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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