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
Just self-determination, just getting up and doing it.
—
Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Iranians should, at least, acknowledge why its ethnic minorities might dream of self-determination rather than assimilation.
—Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
And that self-determination for Greenland was the same as the American desire for freedom from Britain 250 years ago.
—Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
The independence movement has become a balancing act between the island’s ultimate goal of self-determination and the need for Denmark’s financial support for essential services, such as health and education.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
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Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Iranians should, at least, acknowledge why its ethnic minorities might dream of self-determination rather than assimilation.
—Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
And that self-determination for Greenland was the same as the American desire for freedom from Britain 250 years ago.
—Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
The independence movement has become a balancing act between the island’s ultimate goal of self-determination and the need for Denmark’s financial support for essential services, such as health and education.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 20 Jan. 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 28 Jan. 2026.
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