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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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
Greenland now has self-rule within the Kingdom of Denmark, and this should also be respected by the United States as well as all other countries that support self-determination of indigenous communities.
—
Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
From the start, Ivanishvili and his aides have understood that most Georgians wish to lessen Moscow’s influence over their country; many see Putin as the latest in a long line of imperialist Russian leaders intent on suppressing their aspirations for national self-determination.
—Christian Caryl, Foreign Affairs, 26 Dec. 2024
The organization championed self-determination and economic independence for Black people at a time when Jim Crow laws oppressed African Americans and colonization subjugated Africans on their own continent.
—Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 24 Dec. 2024
Pan-Africanism, first named and theorized around 1900, is commonly regarded as an umbrella term for political movements advancing the call for individual self-determination and global unity among peoples of African descent.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-determination 
Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
From the start, Ivanishvili and his aides have understood that most Georgians wish to lessen Moscow’s influence over their country; many see Putin as the latest in a long line of imperialist Russian leaders intent on suppressing their aspirations for national self-determination.
—Christian Caryl, Foreign Affairs, 26 Dec. 2024
The organization championed self-determination and economic independence for Black people at a time when Jim Crow laws oppressed African Americans and colonization subjugated Africans on their own continent.
—Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 24 Dec. 2024
Pan-Africanism, first named and theorized around 1900, is commonly regarded as an umbrella term for political movements advancing the call for individual self-determination and global unity among peoples of African descent.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-determination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-determination
Noun
-
Specialty restaurants are an excellent choice despite the extra cost.David Nikel, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
-
Setting the primary action over the course of a single harrowing, misty night was a smart choice.David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The system boasted heat and flame detectors, fire retardant, a 2,500-gallon sprinkler system to soak the property and humidify the air for an hour, and autonomy from the power grid.Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
-
But like those, Polestar has been given the autonomy to stand on its own two feet and forge its own identity.Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Read More: Without Indigenous History, There Is No U.S. History The Agua Caliente reservation, like other Native American and Cahuilla reservations, was ostensibly an autonomous space where the Tribe would have sovereignty over its own affairs and could conduct self-governance.Michael Albertus, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025
-
In social media posts, ads and mailings, the institute alleged that Connecticut’s actions were an affront to tribal sovereignty.Joel Jacobs, ProPublica, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Avoidant attachment is characterized by independence, as well as difficulty forming connections and expressing emotions.Christin Perry, Parents, 6 Jan. 2025
-
In his December 31 report, Roberts expressed concerns that violence, intimidation, disinformation and threats to defy court judgments could undermine judicial independence.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
And then there has always been Altadena’s sense of freedom and creativity that gave rise to an artists’ enclave and The Bunny Museum.Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
-
The transforming world of work now offers more freedom to define success in ways that go beyond the traditional corporate ladder of the past.Nirit Cohen, Forbes, 12 Jan. 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 20 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share