self-identification
noun
self-iden·ti·fi·ca·tion
ˌself-ī-ˌden-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən 
: identification with someone or something outside oneself
Examples of self-identification in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In a decade, Scheiber suggests, the shift in class self-identification may be nearly complete.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
The show’s name referred to their self-identification as helpless babies overwhelmed by the pressures of modernity, comforted only by coating themselves in fancy serums and moisturizers to recreate the peaceful, placental insulation of the womb.
—Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
But its parliament has just passed controversial amendments to such laws, which remove the right to self-identification and narrow the definition of ‘transgender’.
—Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 31 Mar. 2026
The debate around West’s book has focused almost exclusively on litigating the happiness of her relationship, but Adult Braces offers another example of the collapse of self-identification.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
Mamdani’s sudden rise to prominence after his stunning upset victory over Cuomo in the 2025 Democratic mayoral primary, and his self-identification as a democratic socialist, has caused consternation among some of the city’s business elite.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
And while Americans’ overall ideological self-identification looks stable in the aggregate (37% very conservative/conservative, 34% moderate, 25% very liberal/liberal), a January 2025 Gallup poll shows that this steadiness hides tectonic tensions tugging beneath the surface.
—Robert T.f. Downes, Hartford Courant, 6 Jan. 2026
The memo said Mamdani shows Democrats are too radical − citing his self-identification as a democratic socialist, calls for policing reform, and his criticism of Israel and its treatment of Palestinians.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
The film unfolds as an investigation exploring the contemporary art world while raising self-identification elements.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 10 Aug. 2025
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Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
The show’s name referred to their self-identification as helpless babies overwhelmed by the pressures of modernity, comforted only by coating themselves in fancy serums and moisturizers to recreate the peaceful, placental insulation of the womb.
—Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
But its parliament has just passed controversial amendments to such laws, which remove the right to self-identification and narrow the definition of ‘transgender’.
—Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 31 Mar. 2026
The debate around West’s book has focused almost exclusively on litigating the happiness of her relationship, but Adult Braces offers another example of the collapse of self-identification.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
Mamdani’s sudden rise to prominence after his stunning upset victory over Cuomo in the 2025 Democratic mayoral primary, and his self-identification as a democratic socialist, has caused consternation among some of the city’s business elite.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
And while Americans’ overall ideological self-identification looks stable in the aggregate (37% very conservative/conservative, 34% moderate, 25% very liberal/liberal), a January 2025 Gallup poll shows that this steadiness hides tectonic tensions tugging beneath the surface.
—Robert T.f. Downes, Hartford Courant, 6 Jan. 2026
The memo said Mamdani shows Democrats are too radical − citing his self-identification as a democratic socialist, calls for policing reform, and his criticism of Israel and its treatment of Palestinians.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
The film unfolds as an investigation exploring the contemporary art world while raising self-identification elements.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 10 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-identification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-identification. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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