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
Already, 23 states have passed resolutions in support of the For Our Freedom Amendment to restore self-government.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
In 2009, Denmark granted Greenland self-government, giving the territory control over all its affairs except foreign policy and defence.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2026
Greenland voted in favor of self-government in 2008 and acquired greater responsibility for internal affairs when the Act on Greenland Self-Government was signed into law in 2009.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 17 Jan. 2026
Those who charge that mail ballots are not secure undermine confidence in elections, without proof, and discourage participation, erode trust, and weaken the very foundations of self-government.
—Coalition, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-government
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
In 2009, Denmark granted Greenland self-government, giving the territory control over all its affairs except foreign policy and defence.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2026
Greenland voted in favor of self-government in 2008 and acquired greater responsibility for internal affairs when the Act on Greenland Self-Government was signed into law in 2009.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 17 Jan. 2026
Those who charge that mail ballots are not secure undermine confidence in elections, without proof, and discourage participation, erode trust, and weaken the very foundations of self-government.
—Coalition, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-government
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-government
Noun
-
As a national icon, the Natural Bridge served as a quiet, Emersonian rebuke to Europe’s militaristic triumphal arches, reinforcing the naturalness of American democracy.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
But there was a special pathos about the tributes published around the world after his death, which seemed to symbolize the tragic condition of democracy itself.—
Adam Kirsch,
The Atlantic,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
The deputies had differing opinions on whether Adair had become compliant during the restraint.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
7 May 2026
-
On their third album, Cost of Living Adjustment, Cola have embraced, if not maximalism, then at least letting go of restraint.—
David Glickman,
Pitchfork,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Focus on multi-domain autonomy Revealing both systems shows ASELSAN’s goal to expand into different operational areas.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
6 May 2026
-
Early and mid-career assignments can help rising managers build credibility, autonomy, and resilience.—
Ruth Umoh,
Fortune,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
That could provoke an outcry from nationalist circles, who would likely view such as move as a breach of sovereignty.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The British had imprisoned Jindan, and Duleep was forced to give away the diamond and claims to sovereignty, Smithsonian Magazine recounts.—
Amethyst Martinez,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
The Republic of Cuba declared its independence from the United States.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
The standard model includes 5-degree-of-freedom robotic arms, with an optional 7-DOF upgrade for enhanced manipulation.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
1 May 2026
-
The protest damaged a Communist Party office, with some protesters throwing rocks at the building and hurling furniture into a bonfire amid chants of freedom.—
Jorge Carrasco,
NBC news,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
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.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2022
-
Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.—
Barton Swaim,
WSJ,
27 Dec. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Self-government.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-government. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
