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 Danish and Greenlandic leaders say the pact protects sovereignty and self-determination. — Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026 And an agreement that at the same time recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination. — Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026 They cannot be expected to accept the denial of Jewish self-determination. — Marc Schneier, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026 Rather, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized Denmark’s sovereignty and Greenland’s right to self-determination. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2026 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
  • The technology that investors and governments are counting on to lift the global economy is also adding pressure that threatens growth, the head of the International Monetary Fund said, urging policymakers to stop delaying painful choices on debt.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • An excellent choice for meandering to the city’s biggest tourist draws.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of choice
Noun
  • Egalitarianism, then, is best seen not as perfect equality but as a set of tools that people use to secure their own autonomy and access to resources.
    — Christopher von Rueden, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The company is trying to protect its traditional business while investing through uncertainty—in EVs, autonomy, software, AI, manufacturing, and defense.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of autonomy
Noun
  • Although Koerte believes Europe needs to develop greater AI capabilities, complete sovereignty remains a pipe dream.
    — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Rees-Mogg defended Britain’s decision to enter the war, arguing that the country’s victory over Nazi Germany preserved its sovereignty and prevented Hitler from continuing to expand across Europe.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of sovereignty
Noun
  • Beyond the theatrical and streaming markets, the merger brings CBS News and CNN under the direction of a board that will ensure the editorial independence of each news outlet.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Support for Quebec independence remains at about 30%, low by historical standards, according to Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University.
    — Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of independence
Noun
  • The arrests deepen concerns about press freedom in Egypt, where authorities have repeatedly accused journalists and government critics of Brotherhood ties or spreading false news.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • What unites the two candidates is the assumption that Brazil still has the freedom to choose its foreign policy strategy.
    — MATIAS SPEKTOR, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of freedom

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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 8 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on self-determination

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about self-determination

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