1
as in democracy
government in which the supreme power is held by the people and used by them directly or indirectly through representation
self-government implies faith in the wisdom and essential goodness of the people
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2
as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
steely self-government was all that kept her from lashing out at the rude customer
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3
as in autonomy
the state of being free from the control or power of another
championed self-government for the nation's indigenous peoples
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-government
The Founders united in their quest for self-government but differed how to actually govern, and whether self-government could even last.
—
Hillel Italie and Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
If the incumbent ruling establishments in liberal democracies cannot abide the election of popular outsiders, then their promise of offering people self-government is a lie.
—The Editors, National Review, 4 Apr. 2025
While there has even been some talk of a military invasion, there are other ways America could gain control of the Arctic territory, such as free association, which is the ability to maintain self-government along with a voluntary and mutual partnership with a sovereign state.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
The British monarch imposed the Intolerable Acts of 1774 that closed Boston Harbor and restricted self-government in Massachusetts; the president of the United States has sent his border czar to arrest criminal aliens.
—Rich Lowry, National Review, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-government
Hillel Italie and Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
If the incumbent ruling establishments in liberal democracies cannot abide the election of popular outsiders, then their promise of offering people self-government is a lie.
—The Editors, National Review, 4 Apr. 2025
While there has even been some talk of a military invasion, there are other ways America could gain control of the Arctic territory, such as free association, which is the ability to maintain self-government along with a voluntary and mutual partnership with a sovereign state.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
The British monarch imposed the Intolerable Acts of 1774 that closed Boston Harbor and restricted self-government in Massachusetts; the president of the United States has sent his border czar to arrest criminal aliens.
—Rich Lowry, National Review, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-government
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-government
Noun
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So this is certainly not helping Jews to basically dismantle democracy and defund universities.—
Brian Bennett,
Time,
23 May 2025
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At a time when federal courts are acting as the protectors of our democracy, this is a necessary step toward bolstering confidence, faith and independence to our nation's highest court.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 May 2025
Noun
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Director Maja Novakovic strikes a balance between restraint and gentle nudging, allowing the story to breathe while occasionally adding subtle touches to coax it forward.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
9 May 2025
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Drug companies in the U.S. face few restraints on what to charge for their products.—
David Armstrong,
ProPublica,
9 May 2025
Noun
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In December 1970, Pakistan held parliamentary elections amid widespread demands by Bengalis for greater autonomy.—
Simon Montlake,
Christian Science Monitor,
16 May 2025
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The law is working exactly as intended — helping people facing unbearable suffering to die on their own terms, with dignity and autonomy.—
Christie Golemb,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 May 2025
Noun
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Even after the restoration of full sovereignty with German reunification in 1990, German officials still trod lightly.—
Mark I. Vail,
The Conversation,
16 May 2025
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As a result, its ability to translate regulatory ambitions into digital sovereignty is limited.—
Ian Bremmer,
Foreign Affairs,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Crisis when a radical Quebec separatist group, the Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ), kidnapped high profile politicians to escalate their battle for independence from Canada and lead Ottawa to impose the War Measures Act.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
18 May 2025
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Her mission is to empower these individuals through transformative life and career coaching, fostering personal growth, independence and long-term well-being.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
Noun
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Dylan, a baker’s apprentice, wants to marry her; their journey on his moped is one of the film’s loveliest sequences, an image of freedom and happiness that suggests such a life might be within reach.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2025
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By the State of the People Power Tour that is aiming to ignite a grassroots movement to lift up voices and advance freedom and justices.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-government.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-government. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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