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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
In 1776, few people believed this new version of self-government would last.
—
John Stossel,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
In 1917, Deep Springs College, a college focused on student self-government and manual labor, opened on a California cattle ranch.
—
Austin Sarat,
The Conversation,
17 Apr. 2026
Appreciation for American liberty and self-government has to be both taught and practiced.
—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
10 Apr. 2026
During the 1830s attempts were made to safeguard Aboriginal peoples by placing them under supervision in protectorates, but these attempts failed and were abandoned after the coming of self-government in the 1850s.
—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-government
John Stossel,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
In 1917, Deep Springs College, a college focused on student self-government and manual labor, opened on a California cattle ranch.
—
Austin Sarat,
The Conversation,
17 Apr. 2026
Appreciation for American liberty and self-government has to be both taught and practiced.
—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
10 Apr. 2026
During the 1830s attempts were made to safeguard Aboriginal peoples by placing them under supervision in protectorates, but these attempts failed and were abandoned after the coming of self-government in the 1850s.
—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-government
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-government
Noun
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Divisions are part of the price of democracy, argued Lincoln author and University of Florida professor Allen Guelzo.
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The birthright citizenship ruling was a win for democracy — and a warning about erasing history, argues columnist Anita Chabria.
Noun
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Cornelius Houston will face charges of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit other felony and unlawful restraint, according to Fort Worth jail records.
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Martin's family believes that the long paramedic response time, as well as restraint asphyxia caused by Oakland police officers, caused Martin's death.
Noun
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The First Amendment prohibits such an assault on Gateway's religious autonomy and freedom.
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Any other solution, even one motivated by a desire to protect your guests from harm, cannot avoid also looking like an intrusion into personal autonomy and a negative judgment on character.
Noun
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Hezbollah denounces the deal as a threat to Lebanese sovereignty, while Israeli leaders vow not to cede ‘a millimeter’ until the group is fully disarmed.
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Hernandez frames message sovereignty as the answer to a question every leader needs to sit with.
Noun
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Unlike the 13 colonies that declared independence from Britain, both Florida colonies remained loyal to the British Crown throughout the American Revolution, according to historian and author Mike Bunn.
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The marker commemorates those who fought for independence in the Revolutionary War.
Noun
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The book details what activism, solidarity, and an unwavering commitment to freedom looks like.
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General Magic had generous investors, world-class talent and creative freedom.
Noun
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This visit was very important signal for our partners that Kyiv, much more safety right now, and also very important signal that Great Britain stay together with Ukraine, support Ukraine -- support our country in the fight for our freedom, for our independency.
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Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.
Cite this Entry
“Self-government.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-government. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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