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
Popularized by the 1909 Scofield Bible and modern televangelism, this theology sees Israel's 1948 founding not as Jewish self-determination but as a prophetic sign of the end times marked by global tribulation, Jewish conversion, and Christ's return to rule from Jerusalem.
—
David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Some protests have focused specifically on supporting federal employees, LGBTQ rights, immigrant rights, Palestinian self-determination or Ukraine, and others have demonstrated against Trump’s agenda generally.
—Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
According to Rasmussen, Rubio acknowledged Greenland’s right to self-determination.
—From Reuters, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
Trust parents, empower them and protect the precious self-determination that has always fueled educational and community progress.
—Aziza Butler, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-determination
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.
David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Some protests have focused specifically on supporting federal employees, LGBTQ rights, immigrant rights, Palestinian self-determination or Ukraine, and others have demonstrated against Trump’s agenda generally.
—Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
According to Rasmussen, Rubio acknowledged Greenland’s right to self-determination.
—From Reuters, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
Trust parents, empower them and protect the precious self-determination that has always fueled educational and community progress.
—Aziza Butler, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
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 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share