Synonyms of self-governed

self-governed

adjective

ˌself-ˈgə-vərnd 

as in independent

not being under the rule or control of another

far beyond the reach of civil or military authorities, the settlers on the frontier were essentially self-governed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• independent
• autonomous
• sovereign
• separate
• self-governing
• freestanding
• democratic
• self-ruling
• free
• liberated
• empowered
• emancipated
• freeborn
• released
• redeemed
• freed
• delivered
• unsupervised
• enfranchised
• manumitted
• unruled
• republican
• unconquered

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependent
• subject
• unfree
• nonautonomous
• subjugated
• enslaved
• conquered
• bound
• non-self-governing
• captive
• subdued
• fettered
• subordinate
• subservient
• inferior

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of self-governed

If individuals are self-governed and do the right thing, less laws and cameras are needed. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026

Being self-governed is one of the essential human needs, and those who have a firm sense of their self-concept are able to manage their emotions well and make wiser choices. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Mar. 2026

As a management company, RealManage supports the association’s right to be self-governed. — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, after Nationalist forces fled to the island following their defeat by Chinese Communist powers. — Solcyré Burga, Time, 29 Dec. 2025

Overcrowded, under-resourced, and often effectively self-governed, these facilities have long served as incubators where armed groups recruit, reorganize, and expand their influence. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 10 Dec. 2025

Greenland, which became self-governed in 2009, was colonized by Denmark some 300 years ago and still controls Greenland’s foreign and defense policies. — Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Local nonprofit Safe Ground Sacramento was responsible for operating the camp, which was self-governed by residents. — Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2024

Council membership is entirely self-governed, vendor free, and prioritizes cross-industry members to ensure nuanced perspectives. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024