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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of self-determination
The independence of Cyprus was among his precious causes, alongside self-determination for the Kurds and the Palestinians—who had long been victims of occupation and imperialist power games.
—
Ralph Leonard, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025
The union also committed itself to the BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanctions) movement, whose co-founder Omar Barghouti rejects the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in Israel, their ancestral home.
—Deborah Gastfreund Schuss, National Review, 1 Feb. 2025
For its part, Greenland has asserted its right to self-determination, and most Greenlanders favor independence from Denmark.
—Lauren Frayer, NPR, 28 Jan. 2025
Ultimately, sustainable rebuilding will require facilitating conditions for Palestinian self-determination in Gaza and the West Bank.
—Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for self-determination 
Ralph Leonard, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025
The union also committed itself to the BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanctions) movement, whose co-founder Omar Barghouti rejects the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in Israel, their ancestral home.
—Deborah Gastfreund Schuss, National Review, 1 Feb. 2025
For its part, Greenland has asserted its right to self-determination, and most Greenlanders favor independence from Denmark.
—Lauren Frayer, NPR, 28 Jan. 2025
Ultimately, sustainable rebuilding will require facilitating conditions for Palestinian self-determination in Gaza and the West Bank.
—Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for self-determination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-determination
Noun
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While the 30th annual Critics Choice Awards 2025 was a more muted affair this year, with attendees’ fashion choices leaning more into darker tones and simple silhouettes, there remained some dynamic moments.—
Fernanda Pérez Sánchez,
Vogue,
8 Feb. 2025
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As a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year honoree, Armstead will receive a $265,000 donation to the charity of his choice.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacramento Bee,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Last week, Eversource and several other utilities sued PURA, contending the chairwoman has too much autonomy over cases.—
John Moritz,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2025
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The entire show touches on the idea of bodily autonomy, but Mark and Helly/Helena becoming intimate really brings that to the forefront.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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First, both nations could pass a transnational agreement to form a union, like the European Union, meaning each country retains sovereignty and separate citizenship, but allows for free movement, and possibly a common market and defense.—
Talib Visram,
TIME,
7 Feb. 2025
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Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland was briefly contested in an international court by Norway in the 1930s, but Norway lost the case and withdrew its claims.—
Adam Price,
The Atlantic,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Congress can eliminate foreign aid from the budget or end the independence of agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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President Trump has frequently attacked the Fed in the past, raising concerns about the central bank’s historical independence from politics.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The severance can mangle their sense of freedom, marring liberation with guilt and anger.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Feb. 2025
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Local stories are powerful when they are told with honesty, self-irony, and a sense of creative freedom.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near self-determination
Cite this Entry
“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-determination. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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