self-determination

noun

ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce self-determination (audio)
Definition of self-determinationnext
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

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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

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.
Recent Examples of self-determination The implementation of this Roadmap, including the issue of weapons and other articles of the comprehensive peace plan, shall create appropriate conditions for a credible pathway towards achieving Palestinian self-determination and statehood. — ABC News, 31 July 2026 The true fight is for self-determination and restitution; anything less is unacceptable. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026 While wide hips were considered a problem area not so long ago, designers are now erecting a sort of fashion monument to them—as a symbol of sensuality, strength, and self-determination. — Kelly Niesen, Glamour, 24 July 2026 Produced as a Hong Kong-US collaboration, the film explores identity, family, cultural displacement, and the difficult choices faced by those navigating between tradition and self-determination. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-determination
  1. choice
  2. autonomy
  3. sovereignty
  4. independence
  5. freedom
Noun
  • Nick Pope is also still on Tyneside, even though he has been relegated to third-choice goalkeeper and was made available.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • That choice could help Antares avoid developing every component specifically for nuclear use.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of choice
Noun
  • Bareilles is mourning a few things — the deaths of close friends, dreams of easy fertility, assumptions of female autonomy, the American dream — but the music soars, more often than not.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Historically, the United States has sent mixed messages to Europeans, encouraging them to step up but then scolding them for seeking autonomy.
    — JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of autonomy
Noun
  • Ibrahim Traoré, who took power after a coup in 2022, Burkina Faso has presented food production as a sovereignty issue.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Lokotah works for Sunlight Media Collective, documenting stories at the intersection of Wabanaki sovereignty and environmental justice.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of sovereignty
Noun
  • Cyprus was split along ethnic lines in 1974, and Turkish Cypriots declared independence in 1983.
    — Andrew Wilks, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Lewis admitted that the experience has impacted not only her independence but her confidence as well.
    — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of independence
Noun
  • The grand scale of cosmic time reminds her (and us) that social mores and strictures are tiny, meaningless things, that what matters is passion and freedom.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Mason eventually petitioned for her freedom in court and was freed in 1856 along with several members of her family.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of freedom

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self-destructs
self-determination
self-determining
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Cite this Entry

“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-determination. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on self-determination

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about self-determination

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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