Synonyms of self-government

self-government

noun

ˌself-ˈgə-vər(n)-mənt 

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

• democracy
• republic
• self-rule
• sovereignty
• autonomy
• home rule
• pure democracy
• self-determination

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tyranny
• dictatorship
• monarchy
• despotism
• totalitarianism
• monocracy

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

• restraint
• temperance
• determination
• self-control
• self-mastery
• nerve
• willpower
• self-discipline
• composure
• will
• self-restraint
• temperateness
• self-command
• self-possession
• confidence
• self-containment
• discipline
• continence
• assurance
• moderation
• abnegation
• mastery
• self-abnegation
• abstention
• control
• forbearance
• self-denial
• equanimity
• moderateness
• self-confidence
• sobriety
• soberness
• abstinence
• avoidance
• discretion
• poise
• command
• coolness
• eschewal
• aplomb

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gratification
• indulgence
• intemperance
• failing
• feebleness
• overindulgence
• vice
• excessiveness
• self-indulgence
• weakness
• frailty
• shortcoming
• fault
• demerit
• foible
• intemperateness
• unrestraint
• indiscipline
• immoderacy
• unreserve
• unconstraint
• unreservedness

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

• autonomy
• sovereignty
• independence
• freedom
• independency
• liberty
• self-governance
• liberation
• self-determination
• emancipation
• enfranchisement
• manumission
• release

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependence
• subjection
• heteronomy
• subjugation
• unfreedom
• imprisonment
• enslavement
• captivity
• incarceration
• internment
• enchainment
• immurement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of self-government

The First Amendment was written to protect the speech that makes self-government possible. — Paul Oestreicher, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026

Communities are encouraged to reflect on democracy, self-government and civic responsibility. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026

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