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
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
The tension between the self-denying demands of being a Kennedy wife and Carolyn’s assured self-determination sets the framework for this love story.
—
Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 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
Cuba’s private sector and agricultural community both are seeking avenues for economic advancement and self-determination — principles supported by the United States.
—Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
And yet, major Jewish legacy organizations continue to insist that support for Israel requires denying the realities of occupation, justifying violence against Palestinians and rejecting Palestinian self-determination even while affirming the same for Jews.
—Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
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Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 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
Cuba’s private sector and agricultural community both are seeking avenues for economic advancement and self-determination — principles supported by the United States.
—Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
And yet, major Jewish legacy organizations continue to insist that support for Israel requires denying the realities of occupation, justifying violence against Palestinians and rejecting Palestinian self-determination even while affirming the same for Jews.
—Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Cite this Entry
“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-determination. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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