self-determination

noun

ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce self-determination (audio)
Definition of self-determinationnext
1
as in choice
the act or power of making one's own choices or decisions the United States officially recognizes 18 as the age at which someone is entitled to self-determination

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in autonomy
the state of being free from the control or power of another rebels fighting for the territory's self-determination

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 self-determination The right to self-determination can become the right to self-destruction. — Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 The time has come for the Palestinian people to achieve their right to self-determination and establish their state on their own land, in accordance with United Nations resolutions and international legitimacy. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025 There is a better path: ending the occupation through Palestinian self-determination and statehood, possibly anchored in regional normalization deals between Israel and Arab states. — TIME, 23 Mar. 2025 Some have focused specifically on supporting federal employees, LGBTQ rights, immigrant rights, Palestinian self-determination or Ukraine, and others have demonstrated against Trump’s agenda generally. — Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-determination
  1. choice
  2. autonomy
  3. sovereignty
  4. independence
  5. freedom
Noun
  • Chris Perkins' final NFL mock draft: Dolphins make the obvious choice . . .
    — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2025
  • For those not skilled in cooking, baking, or crafting, a bottle of wine may seem like an obvious choice for a host gift.
    — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of choice
Noun
  • Their expertise and training usually have their roots in Western, individualistic contexts, steeping them in ideals such as autonomy, empowerment, egalitarianism, and authenticity.
    — David Livermore, Harvard Business Review, 9 Apr. 2025
  • These figures — who often come from photographs Sherald has taken or appropriated — look back at us, claiming our attention and their own autonomy.
    — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of autonomy
Noun
  • The country's current head of state, President Joseph Aoun, is an independent who has both called for Hezbollah to disarm and for Israel to respect Lebanese sovereignty.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Leaders of Ukraine, meanwhile, are pushing to maintain independence and sovereignty.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of sovereignty
Noun
  • That independence gives them the freedom to move fast, speak honestly, and take creative risks that traditional retailers might avoid.
    — Catherine Erdly, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage.
    — David Betancourt, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of independence
Noun
  • In a time when everything feels expensive, that kind of freedom is priceless.
    — Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 18 Apr. 2025
  • In question was whether Bob Jones' discriminatory policy was protected by its right to religious freedom, because the school claimed the Bible prohibited race-mixing.
    — Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of freedom

Browse Nearby Words

self-destructs
self-determination
self-determining
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Cite this Entry

“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-determination. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on self-determination

Nglish: Translation of self-determination for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about self-determination

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