self-determination
noun
self-de·ter·mi·na·tion
ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 
1
: free choice of one's own acts or states without external compulsion
2
: determination by the people of a territorial unit of their own future political status
Examples of self-determination in a Sentence
the United States officially recognizes 18 as the age at which someone is entitled to self-determination
rebels fighting for the territory's self-determination
Recent Examples on the Web
Schreifels has cited early hardcore touchstones and their ethos of self-determination as a guiding force this time around, echoing the spirit of his own hugely influential adjacent bands Youth of Today and Gorilla Biscuits.
—
Spin Staff, SPIN, 23 Apr. 2026
Her formidable, untitled 2026 sphinx regally commands its space among ancient Egyptian and Roman sculpture, a marvel of the cross-temporal and cross-spatial, spiked with specific references to Black self-determination.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
For those who believe in equality, in the rights of peoples to define their own future and to have self-determination, Zionism should be understood as an expression of these broader human aspirations.
—Elad Strohmayer, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
By embedding access, authorship and representation into the filmmaking, the project reflects the principles of self-determination and leadership that the movement demanded.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
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Spin Staff, SPIN, 23 Apr. 2026
Her formidable, untitled 2026 sphinx regally commands its space among ancient Egyptian and Roman sculpture, a marvel of the cross-temporal and cross-spatial, spiked with specific references to Black self-determination.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
For those who believe in equality, in the rights of peoples to define their own future and to have self-determination, Zionism should be understood as an expression of these broader human aspirations.
—Elad Strohmayer, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
By embedding access, authorship and representation into the filmmaking, the project reflects the principles of self-determination and leadership that the movement demanded.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Cite this Entry
“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-determination. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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