1
as in choice
the act or power of making one's own choices or decisions
the United States officially recognizes 18 as the age at which someone is entitled to self-determination
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in autonomy
the state of being free from the control or power of another
rebels fighting for the territory's self-determination
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-determination
The quest for digital self-determination in the U.S. comes from a different direction.
—
Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
During Trump’s first term, for example, Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Biafra separatist movement in Nigeria, issued a personal plea to the U.S. president, citing Trump’s support for Brexit as proof of his belief in self-determination.
—Ryan D. Griffiths, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
There is a part of me that still sees this act of self-determination as a moral failing.
—Frances Dodds Samantha Desz Krish Seenivasan Joel Thibodeau, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Her mother, a classical pianist turned educator, instilled an unshakable creative drive, while her grandmother—a St. Vincent dressmaker and real estate entrepreneur—modeled self-determination.
—Byron Armstrong, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
During Trump’s first term, for example, Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Biafra separatist movement in Nigeria, issued a personal plea to the U.S. president, citing Trump’s support for Brexit as proof of his belief in self-determination.
—Ryan D. Griffiths, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
There is a part of me that still sees this act of self-determination as a moral failing.
—Frances Dodds Samantha Desz Krish Seenivasan Joel Thibodeau, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Her mother, a classical pianist turned educator, instilled an unshakable creative drive, while her grandmother—a St. Vincent dressmaker and real estate entrepreneur—modeled self-determination.
—Byron Armstrong, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-determination
Noun
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Without swift Congressional action, millions could lose their health coverage, and small business owners could face devastating financial choices — all in an economic climate already fraught with uncertainty.—
Brewster Bevis,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 June 2025
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This is a game of choices — difficult ones, at that — in which tasks range from finding your wife and offering gifts to friends, to speaking with a skeleton who can see through time and dethroning God.—
Matt Gardner,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Noun
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The study's authors and outside experts point to the job-demand-control model—a theory that suggests autonomy (control over tasks and schedules) buffers against job stress and its physiological effects.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
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In January 2022, Dow spoke candidly with CBS This Morning about how childhood stardom had led him to feel a lack of autonomy.—
Meredith Wilshere,
People.com,
7 June 2025
Noun
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The next wave of policy will not be about fine-tuning compliance frameworks but will be about defending digital sovereignty.—
Emil Sayegh,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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Though voting occurred solely within Venezuelan borders, the act was a clear assertion of sovereignty.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
Noun
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These treatments can help people maintain their independence longer and make the most of their lucid years.—
Jim Taylor,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
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Stay connected: Don’t let independence turn into isolation.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Noun
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However, Gomez said, the overall takeaway from the L.A. event was just how pervasive the sense of fear for press freedom has become.—
Liam Reilly,
CNN Money,
5 June 2025
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The United States was built on religious freedom and equal justice under the law.—
Larry Hogan,
Baltimore Sun,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-determination. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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