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 presentation explores the political, religious, linguistic, and artistic self-determination of Native peoples across the United States who are still thriving despite America’s historic agenda to erase Indigenous identity, culture, and language.
—
Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
At no point does the document address international law, Palestinian opposition to mass relocation, or opposition to this plan by other Arab states, who have long demanded a state and self-determination for Palestinians.
—Natasha Turak, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2025
For them, self-determination is not a centuries-old tradition but an objective that has been repeatedly thwarted.
—Lauren Grodstein, The Atlantic, 1 Sep. 2025
But the middle way is not the only potential approach that Tibetans have considered in their long struggle for self-determination.
—Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
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Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
At no point does the document address international law, Palestinian opposition to mass relocation, or opposition to this plan by other Arab states, who have long demanded a state and self-determination for Palestinians.
—Natasha Turak, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2025
For them, self-determination is not a centuries-old tradition but an objective that has been repeatedly thwarted.
—Lauren Grodstein, The Atlantic, 1 Sep. 2025
But the middle way is not the only potential approach that Tibetans have considered in their long struggle for self-determination.
—Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 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 Sep. 2025.
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