1
as in choice
the act or power of making one's own choices or decisions
the United States officially recognizes 18 as the age at which someone is entitled to self-determination
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in autonomy
the state of being free from the control or power of another
rebels fighting for the territory's self-determination
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-determination
But amidst this painful reality, a story rooted in joy, agency, and radical self-determination is emerging.
—
Stephanie Long, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
Popularized by the 1909 Scofield Bible and modern televangelism, this theology sees Israel's 1948 founding not as Jewish self-determination but as a prophetic sign of the end times marked by global tribulation, Jewish conversion, and Christ's return to rule from Jerusalem.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Some protests have focused specifically on supporting federal employees, LGBTQ rights, immigrant rights, Palestinian self-determination or Ukraine, and others have demonstrated against Trump’s agenda generally.
—Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
According to Rasmussen, Rubio acknowledged Greenland’s right to self-determination.
—From Reuters, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Stephanie Long, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
Popularized by the 1909 Scofield Bible and modern televangelism, this theology sees Israel's 1948 founding not as Jewish self-determination but as a prophetic sign of the end times marked by global tribulation, Jewish conversion, and Christ's return to rule from Jerusalem.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Some protests have focused specifically on supporting federal employees, LGBTQ rights, immigrant rights, Palestinian self-determination or Ukraine, and others have demonstrated against Trump’s agenda generally.
—Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
According to Rasmussen, Rubio acknowledged Greenland’s right to self-determination.
—From Reuters, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-determination
Noun
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Abstaining from alcohol while in the air is a simple and responsible choice.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
-
The song was a fitting choice not only for the sky, but for a three-day celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Baum-Walker Stadium.—
Matt Byrne,
Arkansas Online,
3 May 2025
Noun
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The chaser’s desire for closeness can overwhelm the spacer, who may feel emotionally suffocated or in need of autonomy.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
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With the proliferation of gen-AI, ethical concerns toward its application have re-entered the spotlight, including issues of water and energy consumption/waste and artist alarm over creative autonomy and exploitation.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
4 May 2025
Noun
-
Americans should respect the sovereignty of other countries.—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
1 May 2025
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This measure also protects our national security by projecting American sovereignty in the Arctic, where China and Russia are aggressively increasing their activities.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
Noun
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In her ruling, Judge Howell framed the targeting of Perkins as an attack on the independence of the legal profession and the judicial system.—
Ryan Lucas,
NPR,
3 May 2025
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The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage.—
Tyler Holzhammer,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Noun
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In this dark comedy, Bud’s own fictionally fatal mishap may be the thing to give him a second chance at freedom and life.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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Proponents of educational freedom should reject such fearmongering.—
Gavin Schiffres,
National Review,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-determination. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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