Definition of self-governmentnext
1
as in democracy
government in which the supreme power is held by the people and used by them directly or indirectly through representation self-government implies faith in the wisdom and essential goodness of the people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

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-government In a few daring sentences, Lincoln connected the antislavery movement, calling for a right to self-government in individual lives, with the right to self-government in politics. Cass Sunstein, Big Think, 5 Mar. 2026 Ned Blackhawk considers how Native nations shaped the American conception of self-government. Andrew Aoyama, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026 Already, 23 states have passed resolutions in support of the For Our Freedom Amendment to restore self-government. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026 In 2009, Denmark granted Greenland self-government, giving the territory control over all its affairs except foreign policy and defence. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-government
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-government
Noun
  • Migration remains divisive issue Swiss democracy gives voters a direct say in policymaking through referendums typically held four times a year.
    Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • The crowd was feeling good, if a bit sweaty — and a little in disbelief at the sight of a fighting ring next to one of the most hallowed symbols of American democracy.
    Liam Bowman, Washington Post, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • In the case of these earrings, restraint was paramount.
    Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 June 2026
  • For disabled students already navigating discrimination, bullying, and in some cases dangerous seclusion and restraint practices with fewer advocacy resources than ever, the question of who will investigate and enforce their rights just got a lot murkier.
    Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Lewis George, who has pledged to protect the city's autonomy, stood that ground at her post-election event where pop music blared and a crowd danced with the candidate on stage.
    CBS News, CBS News, 17 June 2026
  • Lastly, is maintaining autonomy.
    Aidan Gomez, Fortune, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • The European Commission added that the latest developments underline Europe’s need for technological sovereignty.
    Maggie Eastland, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
  • This tension between the desire to increase access to powerful models that can generate significant revenues for AI model companies and benefits for users on the one hand, and regulators who want to restrict access for safety and sovereignty issues on the other is becoming the main story.
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • The project, the National Garden of American Heroes, is slated to feature 250 statues of historical figures from America’s past who have contributed to the nation's cultural, scientific, economic, and political heritage, commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 17 June 2026
  • The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Their legal battle for freedom and the resulting Supreme Court decision eventually ignited the Civil War.
    Reg Chapman, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • The implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation was limited in areas still under Confederate control, delaying freedom for many, particularly in Texas.
    Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • This visit was very important signal for our partners that Kyiv, much more safety right now, and also very important signal that Great Britain stay together with Ukraine, support Ukraine -- support our country in the fight for our freedom, for our independency.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2022
  • Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.
    Barton Swaim, WSJ, 27 Dec. 2021

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-government.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-government. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on self-government

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster