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
Democracy, the practice of self-government, is a covenant among free men to respect the rights and liberties of their fellows.
—
Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for self-government
Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for self-government
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-government
Noun
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The democratic values of the oldest and largest democracy in the world will come to the fore.—
Paresh Sagar,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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Liora Petter-Lipstein has a bachelor’s degree in public policy from the University of Maryland and is focused on increasing civic engagement and strengthening democracy.—
Shanna Pearson-Merkowitz,
Baltimore Sun,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Still, progressive proponents of the ERA demanded that some legal loophole must exist to circumvent those restraints.—
Sarah Bedford,
The Washington Examiner,
8 June 2025
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Intense hostility all around means that for now, neither Russia nor China is even willing to sit down to discuss nuclear restraints, in treaty form or otherwise.—
Matthew Bunn,
The Conversation,
6 June 2025
Noun
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The study's authors and outside experts point to the job-demand-control model—a theory that suggests autonomy (control over tasks and schedules) buffers against job stress and its physiological effects.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
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Transportation is key to independence, and when older adults lose the ability to drive that's often the beginning of the end of their autonomy, said Seth Sternberg, CEO and co-founder of Honor, an in-home care provider.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
Noun
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The next wave of policy will not be about fine-tuning compliance frameworks but will be about defending digital sovereignty.—
Emil Sayegh,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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Though voting occurred solely within Venezuelan borders, the act was a clear assertion of sovereignty.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
Noun
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These treatments can help people maintain their independence longer and make the most of their lucid years.—
Jim Taylor,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
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Stay connected: Don’t let independence turn into isolation.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Noun
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However, Gomez said, the overall takeaway from the L.A. event was just how pervasive the sense of fear for press freedom has become.—
Liam Reilly,
CNN Money,
5 June 2025
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Shortly after, Mars will square Uranus on June 15, creating a volatile energy between your desire for personal freedom and autonomy, versus unpredictable events that shake up your day-to-day routines and sense of stability.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-government.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-government. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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