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

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

But the truth is that self-determination is not always possible. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026

Those visitors might have been forgiven for wondering what a building that looked like the Starship Enterprise had to do with national self-determination. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026

Stepping into the public sphere rather than retreating became both a survival strategy and a refuge—an assertion of political and artistic self-determination. — Elisa R. Linn, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026