Synonyms of self-determination

self-determination

noun

ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

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

• choice
• autonomy
• volition
• option
• free will
• will
• accord
• election
• preference
• selection
• predisposition
• devices
• predilection
• alternative
• disposition
• inclination
• tendency
• propensity
• penchant
• partiality
• discretion
• bent
• proclivity
• leaning
• way
• pick

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pressure
• force
• coercion
• constraint
• compulsion
• duress

2

as in autonomy

the state of being free from the control or power of another

rebels fighting for the territory's self-determination

Synonyms & Similar Words

• autonomy
• sovereignty
• independence
• freedom
• independency
• liberty
• self-governance
• liberation
• emancipation
• self-government
• enfranchisement
• manumission
• release

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependence
• subjection
• heteronomy
• unfreedom
• subjugation
• imprisonment
• enslavement
• captivity
• incarceration
• internment
• enchainment
• immurement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of self-determination

The Constitution’s architects, despite notoriously excluding many Americans from the political community, wished those who were granted the right of self-determination to be able to do so on an equal basis. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026

Platform, curated by Jovanna Venegas, features large-scale sculptures and installations that examine technological forms emerging across the Caribbean, exploring ideas of reconstruction, resilience, and self-determination. — News Desk, Artforum, 20 July 2026

The word Zionist is understood by a lot of young Americans, not simply to mean the right of Jews to self-determination, but is used to specifically call out Israeli expansion into the West Bank and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. — Will Carless, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Dealers like Mary Kay were meant to think of themselves as being on a perpetual climb toward self-determination. — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 15 July 2026