1
as in self-indulgent
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
2
as in independent
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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-directed
Trade The Pool aims to help people become more financially capable and self-directed.
—
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026
The group is entirely self-directed, and participants are encouraged to bring their own tools and materials.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
This could represent displacement or self-directed behaviors, and felines might use it as a social cue to elicit attention and interaction.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
People become more self-directed, propelling their own self-awareness and taking ownership of doing what’s right.
—Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
On Mondays, those students will have schoolwork to complete, but that work will be self-directed.
—Cameron Knight, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2023
The video, which Swift wrote and self-directed, features a two-minute comedy sketch about her own funeral.
—Stephanie Kaloi, Peoplemag, 17 Mar. 2023
Most mutual fund companies and brokers say their IRAs are self-directed.
—Bob Carlson, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2023
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026
The group is entirely self-directed, and participants are encouraged to bring their own tools and materials.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
This could represent displacement or self-directed behaviors, and felines might use it as a social cue to elicit attention and interaction.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
People become more self-directed, propelling their own self-awareness and taking ownership of doing what’s right.
—Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
On Mondays, those students will have schoolwork to complete, but that work will be self-directed.
—Cameron Knight, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2023
The video, which Swift wrote and self-directed, features a two-minute comedy sketch about her own funeral.
—Stephanie Kaloi, Peoplemag, 17 Mar. 2023
Most mutual fund companies and brokers say their IRAs are self-directed.
—Bob Carlson, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-directed
Adjective
-
But there’s nothing slack, or lazy, or subjective, or self-indulgent, about the elaborate verse-craft of those bards.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Dec. 2025
-
Some lauded Coppola for his ambition and refusal to play it safe, but the praise was exceeded by criticism, with the movie being called incoherent and self-indulgent.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The fallout from the files has consumed much of the news media in recent weeks, dominating headlines and coverage at major news institutions as journalists and independent creators dig through the files for embarrassing nuggets of association about high-profile individuals.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Confirming independent biological signatures.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That regionalization strategy was implemented in 2023, and was designed to make each region in its supply chain network more self-sufficient.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Air traffic controller parenting is an alternative to helicopter parenting that helps kids learn how to be self-sufficient problem solvers.—
Dorian Johnson,
Parents,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
One is inner-directed, determined to build self-esteem.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2023
Adjective
-
By adjusting for variables such as smoking, physical activity and underlying health conditions, the researchers were able to isolate the specific relationship between caffeine intake and long-term brain health, SWNS noted.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
James Reilly, senior markets economist at Capital Economics, said in a note that while the broader stock market continues to climb higher, exposure to AI will be a specific boost or drag for certain companies.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Pitt definitely feels like the type of workplace where conceited doctors-in-training are pretty much guaranteed to quickly get knocked down a peg.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
8 Jan. 2026
-
But Grande’s conceited blonde bubblehead gains in stature here as Glinda assumes statesmanlike responsibility to spread goodness in Oz, while experiencing crushing romantic disappointment that humbles her and deflates her vanity.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The attention to amusing detail is evident throughout, from the vainglorious mayor’s ample display of chest fur to the very long wintry outfit Gary De’Snake wears in snowy conditions.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Nov. 2025
-
All but the most vainglorious architects imagine that their buildings will change in some small way after completion.—
Anthony Paletta,
Curbed,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
One theory is that complacent Republicans stayed at home.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Wambsganss warned her party not to be complacent.—
John Hanna,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-directed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-directed. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
