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
This issue is not only about the safety and health of our water, but also the right to self-determination.
—
Mel Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 July 2025
Some countries support a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and Gaza, or some form of Palestinian self-determination but do not recognize Palestine as an independent nation.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
Simon Harris, who announced the decision in a press conference, likened Palestinians’ bid for self-determination to the Irish people’s history seeking international recognition of their independence in 1919.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 29 July 2025
The establishment of an independent Palestine would leave Israel as a democratic country with a solid Jewish majority and grant the Palestinians their dream of self-determination.
—Edith M. Lederer, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
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Mel Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 July 2025
Some countries support a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and Gaza, or some form of Palestinian self-determination but do not recognize Palestine as an independent nation.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
Simon Harris, who announced the decision in a press conference, likened Palestinians’ bid for self-determination to the Irish people’s history seeking international recognition of their independence in 1919.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 29 July 2025
The establishment of an independent Palestine would leave Israel as a democratic country with a solid Jewish majority and grant the Palestinians their dream of self-determination.
—Edith M. Lederer, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
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 4 Aug. 2025.
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