self-definition
noun
self-def·i·ni·tion
ˌself-ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən 
: the evaluation by oneself of one's worth as an individual in distinction from one's interpersonal or social roles
Examples of self-definition in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The exhibition investigates how dandyism, a style of elevated dress once imposed upon enslaved people, was remade by Black aesthetes into a tool of social mobility and self-definition.
—
Vincent Tullo, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Co-curated with Keith Cradle and Ricky Singh, the exhibition invites audiences to see motorcycles not just as machines, but as symbols of freedom, healing and self-definition — themes deeply personal to Jacobs himself.
—Amy Carleton, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2025
His most original and moving character here is Naz, the one who has renounced the legacy of leadership, the one who seeks self-definition, considers fatherhood (the playwright became a parent in 2021) and wanders the lakes of Ontario in search of the photographic sublime.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2025
Instead, contemporary feminist and critical theories have expanded our understanding of vision and representation, moving beyond rigid categories to embrace fluidity, intersectionality, and self-definition.
—Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025
The series will broadly focus on the topics of African self-definition and how storytelling can be used as a tool for solidarity and progress.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
And friction, when worked with intentionally, can be a force of self-definition.
—Colin Bedell, Them, 28 Feb. 2025
But now, week by week, The New Yorker was expanding its self-definition.
—David Remnick, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
Ethan treats his politics primarily as a vehicle for ambition; Gabe treats his as self-definition.
—Linda Holmes, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
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Vincent Tullo, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Co-curated with Keith Cradle and Ricky Singh, the exhibition invites audiences to see motorcycles not just as machines, but as symbols of freedom, healing and self-definition — themes deeply personal to Jacobs himself.
—Amy Carleton, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2025
His most original and moving character here is Naz, the one who has renounced the legacy of leadership, the one who seeks self-definition, considers fatherhood (the playwright became a parent in 2021) and wanders the lakes of Ontario in search of the photographic sublime.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2025
Instead, contemporary feminist and critical theories have expanded our understanding of vision and representation, moving beyond rigid categories to embrace fluidity, intersectionality, and self-definition.
—Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025
The series will broadly focus on the topics of African self-definition and how storytelling can be used as a tool for solidarity and progress.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
And friction, when worked with intentionally, can be a force of self-definition.
—Colin Bedell, Them, 28 Feb. 2025
But now, week by week, The New Yorker was expanding its self-definition.
—David Remnick, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
Ethan treats his politics primarily as a vehicle for ambition; Gabe treats his as self-definition.
—Linda Holmes, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-definition. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
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