self-directed
adjective
self-di·rect·ed
ˌself-də-ˈrek-təd 
-dī-
1
: directed for or by oneself
self-directed retirement plans
self-directed classroom activities
a self-directed performance
2
: directed at oneself
self-directed anger
3
: directing oneself or capable of directing oneself
empowering students to become self-directed learners
Examples of self-directed in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But what if building a meaningful and self-directed life in the community really was possible, if people were given the right support?
—
Adrienne Lapidos, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
Trade The Pool aims to help people become more financially capable and self-directed.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026
The group is entirely self-directed, and participants are encouraged to bring their own tools and materials.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
This could represent displacement or self-directed behaviors, and felines might use it as a social cue to elicit attention and interaction.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
People become more self-directed, propelling their own self-awareness and taking ownership of doing what’s right.
—Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
On Mondays, those students will have schoolwork to complete, but that work will be self-directed.
—Cameron Knight, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2023
The video, which Swift wrote and self-directed, features a two-minute comedy sketch about her own funeral.
—Stephanie Kaloi, Peoplemag, 17 Mar. 2023
Most mutual fund companies and brokers say their IRAs are self-directed.
—Bob Carlson, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adrienne Lapidos, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
Trade The Pool aims to help people become more financially capable and self-directed.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026
The group is entirely self-directed, and participants are encouraged to bring their own tools and materials.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
This could represent displacement or self-directed behaviors, and felines might use it as a social cue to elicit attention and interaction.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
People become more self-directed, propelling their own self-awareness and taking ownership of doing what’s right.
—Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
On Mondays, those students will have schoolwork to complete, but that work will be self-directed.
—Cameron Knight, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2023
The video, which Swift wrote and self-directed, features a two-minute comedy sketch about her own funeral.
—Stephanie Kaloi, Peoplemag, 17 Mar. 2023
Most mutual fund companies and brokers say their IRAs are self-directed.
—Bob Carlson, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Self-directed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-directed. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
