self-censorship
noun
self-cen·sor·ship
ˌself-ˈsen(t)-sər-ˌship 
plural self-censorships
: the act or action of refraining from expressing something (such as a thought, point of view, or belief) that others could deem objectionable
What effects does self-censorship have on the accuracy and predictive validity of opinion polls?—
Samuel J. Best and Benjamin Radcliff
Samuel J. Best and Benjamin RadcliffIf self-censorship were ineffective, direct prohibition would be substituted.—Raymond Hutchings
Raymond Hutchings
self-censor
verb, transitive + intransitive
self-censored; self-censoring; self-censors
She self-censors her language around the children.
I know our interrogators wouldn't want us to answer that question. I feel an overwhelming need to self-censor. "We can't really talk about that," I say.
—Shane Bauer et al.
Shane Bauer et al.
Examples of self-censorship in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Zukor streamlined the star system, brought in Postmaster General Will Hays to head up the self-censorship office and set the bar for rapid expansion in Hollywood.
—Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 16 Jan. 2026
But encountering the layers of censorship and self-censorship that impose themselves on an Arabic text in English astonished me yet again.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Knowing that the government maintains a comprehensive database of personal information could lead to self-censorship and chill free speech, particularly under an administration that at times appears motivated by retribution.
—Barbara McQuade, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 2026
Knowing that the government maintains a comprehensive database of personal information could lead to self-censorship and chill free speech, particularly under an administration that at times appears motivated by retribution.
—Barbara McQuade, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-censorship
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 16 Jan. 2026
But encountering the layers of censorship and self-censorship that impose themselves on an Arabic text in English astonished me yet again.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Knowing that the government maintains a comprehensive database of personal information could lead to self-censorship and chill free speech, particularly under an administration that at times appears motivated by retribution.
—Barbara McQuade, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 2026
Knowing that the government maintains a comprehensive database of personal information could lead to self-censorship and chill free speech, particularly under an administration that at times appears motivated by retribution.
—Barbara McQuade, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-censorship
Cite this Entry
“Self-censorship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-censorship. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
