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
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Recent Examples of self-determination
For them, self-determination is not a centuries-old tradition but an objective that has been repeatedly thwarted.
—
Lauren Grodstein, The Atlantic, 1 Sep. 2025
Set against the glittering jewel trade, this inspiring period piece is an emotional tale of self-determination and ambition.
—EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
The Excellent Workplace rating evaluates organizations across 14 categories that reflect the full employee lifecycle and draw on self-determination theory, focusing on human motivation.
—Time Staff, Time, 26 Aug. 2025
The granular cartographic details are beyond the scope of this column, but the general guiding principle should be self-determination and peace over strife and proxy war.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Lauren Grodstein, The Atlantic, 1 Sep. 2025
Set against the glittering jewel trade, this inspiring period piece is an emotional tale of self-determination and ambition.
—EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
The Excellent Workplace rating evaluates organizations across 14 categories that reflect the full employee lifecycle and draw on self-determination theory, focusing on human motivation.
—Time Staff, Time, 26 Aug. 2025
The granular cartographic details are beyond the scope of this column, but the general guiding principle should be self-determination and peace over strife and proxy war.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-determination
Noun
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The glamorous look is more daring than Robbie's usual red carpet choices, but stands out as a striking entry in the naked dress trend.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
-
The choice is still ours to make.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The English song is inspired by ‘90s boom bap hip-hop, exuding the singer’s self-assurance, autonomy, and fearless nature.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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From Kerouac’s On the Road to Ridley Scott’s Thelma and Louise, the car has been our cultural shorthand for autonomy and escape.—
Henrietta Moore,
Fortune,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Peace cannot be achieved by ceding sovereignty.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Sep. 2025
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As with much of the South China Sea, Beijing asserts sovereignty over wide swaths of territory that overlap with claims by other governments—including the Philippines.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The craft seller at a roadside market is earning her independence.—
Daniel Scheffler,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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The trial and prosecution of Bolsonaro became a test for the independence of Brazilian judiciary, which did not buckle under domestic or international political pressure.—
Adriana Carranca,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Critics and rights groups argued that both the ban and the bill function as tools for censorship, threatening freedom of expression, press freedom and fundamental rights.—
Nir Kshetri,
The Conversation,
14 Sep. 2025
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There’s a certain freedom not having social media available from your app launcher, knowing you won’t get disturbed on this device, but are still able to sit back with a good book, some light jazz, and… not much else.—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-determination. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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