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
Israeli leaders must look past the ideological rigidity that drives them to oppose any notion of Palestinian self-determination.
—
Shira Efron, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2025
That early experience of vulnerability shaped her resilience and fueled a lifelong belief that skills, especially financial skills, could be the difference between survival and self-determination.
—Alain Hunkins, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Rooted in community, resistance, and care, these radical works center self-determination beyond mere survival.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 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
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
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Shira Efron, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2025
That early experience of vulnerability shaped her resilience and fueled a lifelong belief that skills, especially financial skills, could be the difference between survival and self-determination.
—Alain Hunkins, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Rooted in community, resistance, and care, these radical works center self-determination beyond mere survival.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 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
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 1 Oct. 2025.
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