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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
But amidst this painful reality, a story rooted in joy, agency, and radical self-determination is emerging.
—
Stephanie Long, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
Popularized by the 1909 Scofield Bible and modern televangelism, this theology sees Israel's 1948 founding not as Jewish self-determination but as a prophetic sign of the end times marked by global tribulation, Jewish conversion, and Christ's return to rule from Jerusalem.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Some protests have focused specifically on supporting federal employees, LGBTQ rights, immigrant rights, Palestinian self-determination or Ukraine, and others have demonstrated against Trump’s agenda generally.
—Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
According to Rasmussen, Rubio acknowledged Greenland’s right to self-determination.
—From Reuters, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Stephanie Long, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
Popularized by the 1909 Scofield Bible and modern televangelism, this theology sees Israel's 1948 founding not as Jewish self-determination but as a prophetic sign of the end times marked by global tribulation, Jewish conversion, and Christ's return to rule from Jerusalem.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Some protests have focused specifically on supporting federal employees, LGBTQ rights, immigrant rights, Palestinian self-determination or Ukraine, and others have demonstrated against Trump’s agenda generally.
—Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
According to Rasmussen, Rubio acknowledged Greenland’s right to self-determination.
—From Reuters, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-determination
Noun
-
Abstaining from alcohol while in the air is a simple and responsible choice.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
-
The song was a fitting choice not only for the sky, but for a three-day celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Baum-Walker Stadium.—
Matt Byrne,
Arkansas Online,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
The chaser’s desire for closeness can overwhelm the spacer, who may feel emotionally suffocated or in need of autonomy.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
With the proliferation of gen-AI, ethical concerns toward its application have re-entered the spotlight, including issues of water and energy consumption/waste and artist alarm over creative autonomy and exploitation.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
4 May 2025
Noun
-
Americans should respect the sovereignty of other countries.—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
1 May 2025
-
This measure also protects our national security by projecting American sovereignty in the Arctic, where China and Russia are aggressively increasing their activities.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage.—
Tyler Holzhammer,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
-
In her ruling, Judge Howell framed the targeting of Perkins as an attack on the independence of the legal profession and the judicial system.—
Ryan Lucas,
NPR,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
Directed by James Ponsoldt (Shrinking) and co-written by Ponsoldt and Segel, the film is described as the chilling story of one man holding the key to another’s freedom.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
12 May 2025
-
Supporters of the hostages expressed frustration that the Israeli leadership has not achieved their freedom while the U.S. struck its own deal with Hamas for the release of a U.S. citizen.—
Hadeel Al-Shalchi,
NPR,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-determination. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share