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 after-hours party opens the entire museum up for dancehall workshops with Latonya Style, a dance floor headlined by Chicago’s DJ Miriam and a performance by Awilda Rodríguez Lora, whose oeuvre explores sexuality, self-determination and colonial legacies.
—
Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
The Oakland Police Department may soon regain its self-determination thanks to the report issued last week by federal monitor Robert Warshaw.
—John Ramos, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Often because Marilyn appeared sweet and genuinely kind, her grit and self-determination were underestimated.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
In the months since the film was made, India’s own trans communities have come under accelerated legal attacks, quickly robbing them of their rights to self-determination in March of 2026.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
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Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
The Oakland Police Department may soon regain its self-determination thanks to the report issued last week by federal monitor Robert Warshaw.
—John Ramos, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Often because Marilyn appeared sweet and genuinely kind, her grit and self-determination were underestimated.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
In the months since the film was made, India’s own trans communities have come under accelerated legal attacks, quickly robbing them of their rights to self-determination in March of 2026.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 May 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 3 Jun. 2026.
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