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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Persistent illiberalism in both erstwhile liberal democracies would strengthen similar political forces in other countries.—
ASHLEY J. TELLIS,
Foreign Affairs,
17 June 2025
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This is essential to stop further erosion of the rule of law, the attack on democracy, and the threat of authoritarianism.—
Mark A. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Noun
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Some voices, such as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, have urged restraint against rushing to defer to Israel’s efforts—putting leading leftists in an odd confluence with folks like Carlson and former Trump counselor Steve Bannon.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
17 June 2025
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While members called for restraint and diplomacy, divisions remain.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 June 2025
Noun
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Acknowledging employee efforts and offering more autonomy.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
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Yet polls show that most of the 23 million people who live in Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, favor the status quo of autonomy.—
Ann Scott Tyson,
Christian Science Monitor,
19 June 2025
Noun
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Smart investors are watching for clues: insider buying, activist stake-building, tighter segment disclosure, JV chatter, and the sudden alignment of political and industrial interests around domestic chip sovereignty.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
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With the Self-Government Act of 2009, Greenlanders became a separate people under international law, acquiring internal autonomy under Danish sovereignty.—
Morten Høi Jensen,
The Dial,
19 June 2025
Noun
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Ada’s arc has been one of growing independence in baby steps: getting married, having the means to stand up to her sister.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
23 June 2025
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South Sudan endured a bloody years-long civil war shortly after gaining independence in 2011, and the United Nations warns violence has escalated in recent months.—
June 23,
CBS News,
23 June 2025
Noun
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Today, as a wealth planning advisor, freedom for most is financial freedom.—
Gabriel Shahin,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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Now 71, the numbers marching for his freedom have dwindled without the urgency of imminent execution dates.—
Dave Zirin,
Rolling Stone,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-government.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-government. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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