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
Places like this reflect a broader American story of stewardship, self-determination, and economic opportunity.
—
Josh Rivera, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Steward Ownership models which combine self-determination and purpose orientation.
—Alex Amouyel, Fortune, 14 May 2026
Tontey’s Karamoy becomes literally larger than life, with three breasts and exaggerated muscles, a physical manifestation of her will toward self-determination.
—Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Schreifels has cited early hardcore touchstones and their ethos of self-determination as a guiding force this time around, echoing the spirit of his own hugely influential adjacent bands Youth of Today and Gorilla Biscuits.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Josh Rivera, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Steward Ownership models which combine self-determination and purpose orientation.
—Alex Amouyel, Fortune, 14 May 2026
Tontey’s Karamoy becomes literally larger than life, with three breasts and exaggerated muscles, a physical manifestation of her will toward self-determination.
—Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Schreifels has cited early hardcore touchstones and their ethos of self-determination as a guiding force this time around, echoing the spirit of his own hugely influential adjacent bands Youth of Today and Gorilla Biscuits.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-determination
Noun
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Premier Sea View rooms, complete with balconies, are the prime choices.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
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But after losing two games to Saint Mary’s, as regional hosts for a second consecutive year, UCLA has no choice but to go back to the drawing board in preparation for 2027.—
Joaquin Ruiz,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Noun
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The teaming pairs Elbit America’s experience as a systems integrator and manufacturer of large ground vehicles with Anduril’s expertise in C5ISR, battle management and autonomy software, according to the announcement.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
3 June 2026
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The older boys moved through the neighborhood with increasing autonomy.—
Kate Casey,
Vanity Fair,
2 June 2026
Noun
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Of course, defying Iran’s attempt to claim of sovereignty over the strait comes with risks.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
30 May 2026
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Taken together, the network signals a significant upgrade in Beijing’s efforts to ensure second-strike capability, underscoring intensifying nuclear competition with the United States as tensions rise over issues such as Taiwan’s sovereignty.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
Noun
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South African lawmakers chose a critic of President Cyril Ramaphosa to head an inquiry into whether the head of state should face impeachment, in a move seen as preserving the probe’s independence.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
3 June 2026
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The overhaul sought by some GOP lawmakers has sparked fears in both states that the changes, if implemented, would threaten judicial independence and politicize the judiciary.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2026
Noun
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Freedom 250 was reminded this week that artists have freedom too.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
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Paradoxically, what for students was freedom was for teachers a useful means of control.—
Thomas Adam,
The Conversation,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-determination. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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