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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-determination
Noun
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Casado also seemed to enjoy himself, reminding fans of his breakout performances last year at times, but De Jong remains first-choice in that midfield role.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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The show is presented as a response to the official Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show headlined by Bad Bunny as the choice of the Puerto Rican mega-star drew backlash from conservatives.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Such steps would enhance the autonomy and productive capacity of Cuba’s private sector, including farm cooperatives, many of which have the title to their land.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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One pressing issue is the need to protect and expand reproductive autonomy while also addressing the full continuum of Black women’s health.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The current deal framework would cede sovereignty but lease the Diego Garcia base for 99 years, ban other nations from utilizing nearby islands without British consent, and open the door to negotiations prolonging the arrangement in 40-year intervals.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
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Syria’s sovereignty had been partly mortgaged to Russia and Iran, which were squeezing Damascus for money to repay their investment in the conflict.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Experts recommend a mix of technology and regular check-ins to balance safety and independence for elderly relatives.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
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Accusations of politicization at DOJ For decades, the Justice Department has enjoyed a degree of independence from the White House, particularly in investigations and prosecutions, to insulate them from partisan politics.—
Elena Moore,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Çatak’s anti-state message acquires an ambiguous power as the movie wends onward, with an enigmatic final shot that finds Aziz tasting clear-skies freedom but still from behind confines of a sort.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 2026
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But, after serving more than 30 years of a natural life sentence, Modrowski won back his freedom in summer 2024 when a judge ruled he had been too harshly punished and resentenced him to a 60-year term.—
Christy Gutowski,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-determination. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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