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
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Recent Examples of self-determination
And top-down impositions could also be painted as less democratic, because the state essentially rejects the self-determination of local communities to oppose new developments.
—
Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
This constitutes a blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, undermines the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and obstructs the establishment of their independent sovereign state .
—CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Transgender identity and lesbian desire also surfaced, though the writers are interested less in queerness than self-determination.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Most Iranians have now come to realize that their fundamental rights have been taken away from them, including the freedom to choose one’s own religion or belief, political self-determination and even their lifestyle choices.
—Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
This constitutes a blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, undermines the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and obstructs the establishment of their independent sovereign state .
—CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Transgender identity and lesbian desire also surfaced, though the writers are interested less in queerness than self-determination.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Most Iranians have now come to realize that their fundamental rights have been taken away from them, including the freedom to choose one’s own religion or belief, political self-determination and even their lifestyle choices.
—Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-determination
Noun
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Atrani In Positano’s quieter Fornillo area, this three-bedroom villa includes multiple terraces and garden spaces for dining, lounging, and sunset BBQs—and is a smart choice for those traveling with a larger group.—
Angela Tafoya,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
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March 21 – April 19 Day-to-day choices pack surprising potential for peace.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Two anonymous trans residents sued Kansas last month, arguing that the law violates state protections for personal autonomy, privacy, equality, due process and freedom of speech.—
Jo Yurcaba,
NBC news,
11 Mar. 2026
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The long history of military AI Weapons with some degree of autonomy have been used in war for well over a century.—
Jon R. Lindsay,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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More recently, popstar Bad Bunny alluded to ideas of Puerto Rican independence and sovereignty during his Super Bowl halftime show, which garnered more than 4 billion views.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
14 Mar. 2026
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Iran maintains a military presence there, but its sovereignty is disputed by the UAE.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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As Europe races toward energy independence, this facility could become a primary feeder for a pipeline network meant to power the continent’s heavy industry.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
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The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Pentagon had accepted his compromise, Altman implied, because his safeguards were not smuggled into the contract as an arbitrary restriction of Pentagon freedom.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
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Enslaved by a tyrannical regime for nearly half a century, everyday Iranians long passionately for their freedom, as the rebellion earlier this year showed.—
Michael M. Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-determination. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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