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 Tate show, which surveys the efforts of Nigerian artists and artistic groups both before and after the country declared national independence from British colonial rule, underscores the spirit of self-determination, and of aesthetic and artistic inquiry, that drew Lawrence in the first place.
—
Michael Lobel, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
Colton-Max co-chairs New Jewish Narrative, an organization that supports justice and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians, and is a vice-president of the American Zionist Movement.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
What followed was not just the growth of an industry, but the strengthening of tribal self-determination.
—Cody J Martinez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Treatment refusal rests on the inherent right of self-determination and does not depend on how the Constitution is interpreted.
—Robert S. Olick, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
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Michael Lobel, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
Colton-Max co-chairs New Jewish Narrative, an organization that supports justice and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians, and is a vice-president of the American Zionist Movement.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
What followed was not just the growth of an industry, but the strengthening of tribal self-determination.
—Cody J Martinez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Treatment refusal rests on the inherent right of self-determination and does not depend on how the Constitution is interpreted.
—Robert S. Olick, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2026
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 5 Apr. 2026.
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