self-directed
adjective
self-di·rect·ed
ˌself-də-ˈrek-təd 
-dī-
1
: directed for or by oneself
self-directed retirement plans
self-directed classroom activities
a self-directed performance
2
: directed at oneself
self-directed anger
3
: directing oneself or capable of directing oneself
empowering students to become self-directed learners
Examples of self-directed in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Its Sauna Garden lets visitors alternate between sauna sessions and cold plunge tubs, either guided or self-directed, and the space doubles as a venue for yoga, sound baths and pop-up events.
—
Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 May 2026
Its Sauna Garden lets visitors alternate between sauna sessions and cold plunge tubs, either guided or self-directed.
—Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026
But that change needs to be self-directed, coming from within each individual.
—Goth Shakira
contributing, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
While other Coachella performers like Katseye and Lucky Brand collaborator Addison Rae have each carved out distinct aesthetic identities, festivalgoers are drawing less direct inspiration from performers’ styles, instead embracing a more individual and self-directed approach to dressing.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2026
But what if building a meaningful and self-directed life in the community really was possible, if people were given the right support?
—Adrienne Lapidos, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
Trade The Pool aims to help people become more financially capable and self-directed.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026
The group is entirely self-directed, and participants are encouraged to bring their own tools and materials.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
This could represent displacement or self-directed behaviors, and felines might use it as a social cue to elicit attention and interaction.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
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.
Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 May 2026
Its Sauna Garden lets visitors alternate between sauna sessions and cold plunge tubs, either guided or self-directed.
—Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026
But that change needs to be self-directed, coming from within each individual.
—Goth Shakira
contributing, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
While other Coachella performers like Katseye and Lucky Brand collaborator Addison Rae have each carved out distinct aesthetic identities, festivalgoers are drawing less direct inspiration from performers’ styles, instead embracing a more individual and self-directed approach to dressing.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2026
But what if building a meaningful and self-directed life in the community really was possible, if people were given the right support?
—Adrienne Lapidos, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
Trade The Pool aims to help people become more financially capable and self-directed.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026
The group is entirely self-directed, and participants are encouraged to bring their own tools and materials.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
This could represent displacement or self-directed behaviors, and felines might use it as a social cue to elicit attention and interaction.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-directed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-directed. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
