self-determination

noun

self-de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: free choice of one's own acts or states without external compulsion

2

: determination by the people of a territorial unit of their own future political status

Synonyms of self-determination

• choice
• autonomy

Examples of self-determination in a Sentence

the United States officially recognizes 18 as the age at which someone is entitled to self-determination

rebels fighting for the territory's self-determination

Recent Examples on the Web

In the months since the film was made, India’s own trans communities have come under accelerated legal attacks, quickly robbing them of their rights to self-determination in March of 2026. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 May 2026

Places like this reflect a broader American story of stewardship, self-determination, and economic opportunity. —Josh Rivera, USA Today, 15 May 2026

Steward Ownership models which combine self-determination and purpose orientation. —Alex Amouyel, Fortune, 14 May 2026

Tontey’s Karamoy becomes literally larger than life, with three breasts and exaggerated muscles, a physical manifestation of her will toward self-determination. —Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for self-determination

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

Kids Definition

self-determination

noun

self-de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion

ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən

1

: free choice of one's own acts without outside pressure

2

: the deciding by the people of a place of the form of government they will have