Synonyms of self-determination

self-determination

noun

ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

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

• choice
• autonomy
• volition
• option
• free will
• will
• accord
• election
• preference
• selection
• predisposition
• devices
• predilection
• alternative
• disposition
• inclination
• tendency
• propensity
• penchant
• partiality
• discretion
• bent
• proclivity
• leaning
• way
• pick

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pressure
• force
• coercion
• constraint
• compulsion
• duress

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

• autonomy
• sovereignty
• independence
• freedom
• independency
• liberty
• self-governance
• liberation
• emancipation
• self-government
• enfranchisement
• manumission
• release

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependence
• subjection
• heteronomy
• unfreedom
• subjugation
• imprisonment
• enslavement
• captivity
• incarceration
• internment
• enchainment
• immurement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of self-determination

It was formed in 1966 when self-determination movements from 82 countries came together in Havana for the Tricontinental Conference. — Anne Garland Mahler, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026

Ella is a young woman cursed to obey all instructions whose quest for self-determination also turns her into an advocate for the kingdom’s oppressed elves and ogres. — Chris Bellamy, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026

Williams said the concepts of self-determination, democracy, freedom and independence, terms written when the nation was formed, were not written with people of color in mind. — Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

The true fight is for self-determination and restitution; anything less is unacceptable. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026