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 Lamin has led a peaceful campaign supporting the right of Western Sahara to self-determination, a dream of Sahrawi refugees that has been frustrated for more than half a century. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026 More importantly, the agreement affirms Greenland's sovereignty and right to self-determination while preventing non-NATO countries from establishing a military presence without the parties' approval. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026 Denmark and Greenland have stressed that the arrangement will not compromise the island's sovereignty or right to self-determination. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 20 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 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 full-scale prototype now offers a clearer look at the engineering choices behind the aircraft.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Lahn defended the program saying parents deserve more choices in their children's education.
    — Sheila Brummer, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of choice
Noun
  • Except in the extreme, legislators are loath to devalue local autonomy while also prioritizing delivery of state aid to diminish local tax burdens.
    — David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
  • But that same autonomy can be a flaw and speeding grows out of that.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of autonomy
Noun
  • The goal is food sovereignty, Campbell explains, helping BIPOC communities with education and training around growing fresh food.
    — Ayesha Rascoe, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026
  • However, Putin has since reiterated his maximalist demands, including on territory and Ukraine’s sovereignty – red lines for Kyiv and its allies.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of sovereignty
Noun
  • Candidates backed by anti-CTU groups, meanwhile, have emphasized fiscal restraint and independence from City Hall.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Women may be at a higher risk of sarcopenia, which comes with a host of issues that negatively impact independence and healthy aging.
    — Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of independence
Noun
  • Seniors deserve affordable medicines, dependable service, and the freedom to choose the pharmacy options that work best for them.
    — L. Prather McKinnon, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Yagher says he was largely left to his own devices and given a lot of creative freedom with the video, shooting on the existing but expanded set to fit the dancers.
    — Chaz Kangas, Los Angeles Times, 30 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 5 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on self-determination

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about self-determination

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