Definition of self-rulenext
as in democracy
government in which the supreme power is held by the people and used by them directly or indirectly through representation the newly created United States opted for self-rule rather than monarchy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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-rule Among those present were members of the community La Candelaria, in the municipality of San Cristobal de las Casas, which has been demanding self-rule for years. ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026 While acknowledging Palestinian self-rule in Areas A and B, Oren said a fully sovereign Palestinian state is impossible. Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Washington is caught between preventing a collapse of its Kurdish partners’ self-rule enclave — which played a central role in defeating Islamic State in Syria — and supporting Sharaa’s bid to consolidate control over the rest of the country. Reuters, NBC news, 18 Jan. 2026 Hundreds gathered in Copenhagen on Saturday in support of Greenland and its right to self-rule. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 17 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-rule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-rule
democracy
Noun
  • Americans' confidence in the court system and democracy has dipped in recent years.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • Voters have already handed a good chunk of democracy itself over to nationalist, religious and ideological fascism.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-rule. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster