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 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
Since change is often framed as a challenge of willpower or attitude, leaders are taught to anticipate resistance and to respond to it effectively.
—Inga Bielińska, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
This exorbitant fee was avoidable — except the voters, unlike politicians, have little tenacity and willpower to fight the good fight.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
While not tested on humans, the findings nonetheless demonstrate that there appears to be more to yo-yo dieting behavior and why restriction often leads to excess – and weight gain – than willpower.
—New Atlas, 1 July 2025
Unlike willpower, that type of thinking — small rewards, virtual currency, and gamified nudges designed to keep users coming back — is scalable.
—Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for willpower
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Inga Bielińska, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
This exorbitant fee was avoidable — except the voters, unlike politicians, have little tenacity and willpower to fight the good fight.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
While not tested on humans, the findings nonetheless demonstrate that there appears to be more to yo-yo dieting behavior and why restriction often leads to excess – and weight gain – than willpower.
—New Atlas, 1 July 2025
Unlike willpower, that type of thinking — small rewards, virtual currency, and gamified nudges designed to keep users coming back — is scalable.
—Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for willpower
Cite this Entry
“Willpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willpower. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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willpower
noun
will·pow·er
ˈwil-ˌpau̇(-ə)r
: strong determination
the temptation tested her willpower
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