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
And top-down impositions could also be painted as less democratic, because the state essentially rejects the self-determination of local communities to oppose new developments.
—
Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
This constitutes a blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, undermines the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and obstructs the establishment of their independent sovereign state .
—CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Transgender identity and lesbian desire also surfaced, though the writers are interested less in queerness than self-determination.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Most Iranians have now come to realize that their fundamental rights have been taken away from them, including the freedom to choose one’s own religion or belief, political self-determination and even their lifestyle choices.
—Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
This constitutes a blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, undermines the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and obstructs the establishment of their independent sovereign state .
—CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Transgender identity and lesbian desire also surfaced, though the writers are interested less in queerness than self-determination.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Most Iranians have now come to realize that their fundamental rights have been taken away from them, including the freedom to choose one’s own religion or belief, political self-determination and even their lifestyle choices.
—Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-determination
Noun
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Atrani In Positano’s quieter Fornillo area, this three-bedroom villa includes multiple terraces and garden spaces for dining, lounging, and sunset BBQs—and is a smart choice for those traveling with a larger group.—
Angela Tafoya,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
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March 21 – April 19 Day-to-day choices pack surprising potential for peace.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Speaking to Wall Street analysts on March 2, Ellison indicated that HBO and its CEO, Casey Bloys, will retain some autonomy.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
4 Mar. 2026
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Perry added that Tesla's full self-driving software is in the early stages of monetization and could stand to be the leading consumer autonomy solution.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Russia and China have criticized the strikes as a violation of international law and Iran’s sovereignty and called for a return to dialogue, but have not offered Tehran any material support.—
Jasmine Green,
NBC news,
5 Mar. 2026
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Mullin has also leaned into his ancestry as a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and supported positions important to tribal citizens, such as advocating for tribal sovereignty.—
Sean Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The label, founded 25 years ago, has not turned a profit since 2017, yet McCartney chose full independence.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
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That emphasis on independence is not accidental.—
K. H. Koehler,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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That freedom could allow the Cowboys to load up on big contracts that would not count as high in the first year.—
Nick Harris
March 6,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Mar. 2026
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Observers say his conviction reflected the decline of press and other freedoms that has changed Hong Kong, a former British colony that returned to China’s control in 1997.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-determination. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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