self-governing

self–governing

adjective

Definition of SELF-GOVERNING

1

not being under the rule or control of another <she left home and became entirely self-governing and financially independent at the age of 18>

Synonyms autonomous, freestanding, independent, self-governed, self-governing, self-ruling, separate, sovereign (also sovran)

Related Words freeborn; delivered, emancipated, freed, liberated, manumitted, redeemed, released; unconquered, unruled, unsupervised; empowered, enfranchised; democratic, republican

Near Antonyms bound, captive, conquered, enslaved, fettered, subdued, subjugated; inferior, subordinate, subservient

Antonyms dependent, nonautonomous, non-self-governing, subject, unfree

2

of, relating to, or favoring political democracy <a self-governing nation that could be a role model for other countries in the region>

Synonyms popular, republican, self-governing, self-ruling

Related Words representative; libertarian, nontotalitarian

Near Antonyms autocratic (also autocratical), despotic, dictatorial, monarchal (or monarchial), monarchical (also monarchic), tyrannical (also tyrannic)

Antonyms nondemocratic, undemocratic

Ask The Editor Videos

 

2014 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

 

How the Months Got Their Names

 

Webster's Dictionary of 1864

 

Old-School Grammar

 

Schwa

 

That vs. Which

 

i.e. vs. e.g.

 

Longest Word in the Dictionary

           

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up self-governing? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).