self-executing

adjective

self-ex·​e·​cut·​ing ˌself-ˈek-sə-ˌkyü-tiŋ How to pronounce self-executing (audio)
: taking effect immediately without implementing legislation
a self-executing treaty

Examples of self-executing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Today, those apps persist on millions of American devices, providing everything from video editing in CapCut to AI tutoring in Gauth to an agent self-executing code on a developer’s computer through TARS. Emily Baker-White, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025 These self-executing contracts with terms directly written into code automate processes, reducing the need for intermediaries and minimizing operational risks. Geoff Ira, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Lynch argued Tuesday that Trump’s executive order is not self-executing and did not immediately prevent transgender people from serving. Ella Lee, The Hill, 18 Feb. 2025 For this reason, the Outer Space Treaty is largely not a self-executing treaty. Wayne N White Jr, The Conversation, 31 Jan. 2025 Finally, blockchain smart contracts—essentially, self-executing, irreversible exchanges of cryptocurrency—automatically process the trades and distribute money to the winners. Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-executing was in 1779

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-executing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-executing. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

Legal Definition

self-executing

adjective
self-ex·​e·​cut·​ing
ˈself-ˈek-sə-ˌkü-tiŋ
: taking effect immediately without the need for implementing legislation or further judicial action
a self-executing judgment
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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