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
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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
The team is both a symbol of national pride and a condensation of battles Haitians have long fought for dignity and self-determination.
—
Laurent Dubois, The Conversation, 10 June 2026
The stadium would ultimately be built in 1987 as Joe Robbie Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins, setting off years of activism and calls for self-determination from Carol City residents.
—Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026
The after-hours party opens the entire museum up for dancehall workshops with Latonya Style, a dance floor headlined by Chicago’s DJ Miriam and a performance by Awilda Rodríguez Lora, whose oeuvre explores sexuality, self-determination and colonial legacies.
—Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Often because Marilyn appeared sweet and genuinely kind, her grit and self-determination were underestimated.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Laurent Dubois, The Conversation, 10 June 2026
The stadium would ultimately be built in 1987 as Joe Robbie Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins, setting off years of activism and calls for self-determination from Carol City residents.
—Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026
The after-hours party opens the entire museum up for dancehall workshops with Latonya Style, a dance floor headlined by Chicago’s DJ Miriam and a performance by Awilda Rodríguez Lora, whose oeuvre explores sexuality, self-determination and colonial legacies.
—Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Often because Marilyn appeared sweet and genuinely kind, her grit and self-determination were underestimated.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-determination
Noun
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Park conditions change constantly and visitors' choice of activities and level of preparedness are big factors in determining risk.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
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Bad choices like that are a through-line for this whole story, all the way back to Otto Hightower encouraging his daughter, Alicent, to befriend Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys.—
Sean T. Collins,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
Noun
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Lewis George, who has pledged to protect the city's autonomy, stood that ground at her post-election event where pop music blared and a crowd danced with the candidate on stage.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
-
Lastly, is maintaining autonomy.—
Aidan Gomez,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
Noun
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The agreement calls for a halt to military operations in Lebanon and for its sovereignty to be respected.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 June 2026
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Losing, Jose said, would be a devastating blow, not only to the Tohono O’odham, but to all future claims of Indian sovereignty.—
Geraldo L. Cadava,
The Atlantic,
20 June 2026
Noun
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The project, the National Garden of American Heroes, is slated to feature 250 statues of historical figures from America’s past who have contributed to the nation's cultural, scientific, economic, and political heritage, commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
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The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Noun
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Their legal battle for freedom and the resulting Supreme Court decision eventually ignited the Civil War.—
Reg Chapman,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
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The implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation was limited in areas still under Confederate control, delaying freedom for many, particularly in Texas.—
Natassia Paloma,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-determination. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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