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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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-government
Citizens and leaders who cherish self-government and the rule of law should welcome the forthcoming recommendations from the ABA Task Force.
—
Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Because as our founders knew so well, human nature recoils all too often at the inconveniences and frustrations of self-government.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
Religious freedom and freedom of speech make up the engine of self-government and form a bulwark against tyranny.
—Kristen Waggoner, National Review, 5 July 2025
This experiment in self-government is being challenged by bitter partisanship that make Americans on one side of the political divide view their opposites as enemies, not fellow citizens.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-government
Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Because as our founders knew so well, human nature recoils all too often at the inconveniences and frustrations of self-government.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
Religious freedom and freedom of speech make up the engine of self-government and form a bulwark against tyranny.
—Kristen Waggoner, National Review, 5 July 2025
This experiment in self-government is being challenged by bitter partisanship that make Americans on one side of the political divide view their opposites as enemies, not fellow citizens.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-government
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-government
Noun
-
Something like that argument is being applied to gerrymandering, which is applying nuclear-level destruction to American democracy at both state and federal levels.—
Chicago Tribune,
Twin Cities,
16 Aug. 2025
-
The target of this unprecedented mid-decade challenge to democracy is clear—Black and Latino voters whose growing numbers threaten to shift political power in a rapidly changing state.—
Martin Luther King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Advertisement My biggest takeaway from this formula and its ubiquity is that users can develop healthier social media feeds, but doing so takes restraint and intentionality.—
Noah Giansiracusa,
Time,
7 Aug. 2025
-
While candidates largely avoided major mishaps, the tech was used with little guidance or restraint.—
Makena Kelly,
Wired News,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Venus will be making an opposition to Pluto retrograde in your sign, creating tension and friction between your personal autonomy and a lover’s desires.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Additionally, research suggests that high-quality listening can also help satisfy core psychological needs like autonomy and relatedness.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Governments are enforcing where training and inference take place, and laws and regulations are becoming more stringent. Take a strategic, proactive approach to prepare for data sovereignty barriers.—
Mark Mahle,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
But Israel's actions significantly undermined international law and further eroded Lebanese sovereignty and credibility.—
Lynn Zovighian,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Powell has come under massive pressure from Trump this year, whose attacks over interest rates have raised the possibility that the era of Fed independence could be coming to an end.—
Billy Bambrough,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The event will conclude with El Grito, the traditional Mexican call for independence, followed by a fireworks show.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Now, some parents who are seeking political asylum are faced with a heartbreaking and frightening choice: Go back to the country where their life and/or freedom was threatened or stay in the United States and be separated from your child or children.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Spence dedicated his life to fighting for the rights and freedom of ordinary people, colleague Joseph H. Low IV said in a statement.—
Nino Paoli,
Fortune,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-government.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-government. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share