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 film’s real message, however, is deeply anti-capitalist, as Mickey 17 (the 17th clone) is fighting for his humanity and encouraging others to organize for their self-determination.
—
Anastasia Sanger, Glamour, 22 Dec. 2025
Celebrate the second day of Kwanzaa with a celebration of Kujichagulia (self-determination), featuring African drumming and a dance performance, griot storytelling, a Kwanzaa candle-lighting ceremony and a community dinner.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025
But workplaces don’t always give employees, regardless of their disability status, the flexibility and self-determination necessary to enact their strategies.
—Emily Rosado-Solomon, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
Respect for the rule of law and protecting every Mississippian’s right to individual liberty and self-determination are the bedrock principles upon which our Constitutional Republic and state were founded.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
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Anastasia Sanger, Glamour, 22 Dec. 2025
Celebrate the second day of Kwanzaa with a celebration of Kujichagulia (self-determination), featuring African drumming and a dance performance, griot storytelling, a Kwanzaa candle-lighting ceremony and a community dinner.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025
But workplaces don’t always give employees, regardless of their disability status, the flexibility and self-determination necessary to enact their strategies.
—Emily Rosado-Solomon, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
Respect for the rule of law and protecting every Mississippian’s right to individual liberty and self-determination are the bedrock principles upon which our Constitutional Republic and state were founded.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 12 Dec. 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 9 Jan. 2026.
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