1
as in democracy
government in which the supreme power is held by the people and used by them directly or indirectly through representation
self-government implies faith in the wisdom and essential goodness of the people
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2
as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
steely self-government was all that kept her from lashing out at the rude customer
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3
as in autonomy
the state of being free from the control or power of another
championed self-government for the nation's indigenous peoples
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-government
These realities of New York politics partly reflect the state’s constitution, originally adopted in 1777, which devolved some but by no means all powers of self-government to the city.
—
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
None brought the populist vitality that had sustained the party for decades to their public policy, nor a genuine feeling of representation in self-government.
—Alexander Heffner, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2025
In her view, the reason to innovate and make new things is not for the good of humanity writ large but specifically to help defend and protect America as both a nation and an experiment in self-government which is under threat from a hostile world.
—Emma Green, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
Yet Noah never abandoned his plans for Jewish self-government and ultimately advocated national repatriation to areas of Palestine, then under Ottoman control.
—Adam L. Rovner, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-government
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
None brought the populist vitality that had sustained the party for decades to their public policy, nor a genuine feeling of representation in self-government.
—Alexander Heffner, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2025
In her view, the reason to innovate and make new things is not for the good of humanity writ large but specifically to help defend and protect America as both a nation and an experiment in self-government which is under threat from a hostile world.
—Emma Green, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
Yet Noah never abandoned his plans for Jewish self-government and ultimately advocated national repatriation to areas of Palestine, then under Ottoman control.
—Adam L. Rovner, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-government
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-government
Noun
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Aside from the most ardent Bolsonaro loyalists, Brazilians—regardless of ideology—don't take kindly to foreign leaders telling them how to run their democracy.—
Arick Wierson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
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The standoff may extend longer than other US-Latin America disputes, one expert noted: Brazil’s president may view the dispute as profitable politically, many Brazilians think the case could define the country’s democracy, and Brasília has little reason to capitulate quickly.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
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At its core, Wimbledon is a British brand built on restraint: the all-white dress code, the absence of in-your-face, on-court branding, the strawberries and cream.—
Jeetendr Sehdev,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
-
Critics say Trump has only become more dangerous, pursuing radical ideas without restraint.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
11 July 2025
Noun
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His campaign listed protecting Medicaid, reducing costs, not raising the national deficit, boosting small business growth and giving women autonomy over their health care decisions as McCann's other policy priorities.—
Arpan Lobo,
Freep.com,
14 July 2025
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Decentralized systems thrive on autonomy and adaptability.—
Deepinder Singh Sethi,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
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The East Asian neighbors have two ongoing disputes in the East China Sea: one over the sovereignty of the uninhabited Senkaku island group—administered by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing as the Diaoyu Islands—and the other over energy exploration in the region.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
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With strong regulatory foresight and a commitment to digital sovereignty, the region is turning trust and transparency into competitive advantages.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Not everyone is on board with the shift from old-school pyrotechnics, but the companies behind the drone shows promise to deliver all the pomp and circumstance of traditional fireworks shows and more, using awe-inspiring displays that capture the spirit of American independence.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
4 July 2025
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Foster self-confidence and independence in your child.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
4 July 2025
Noun
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In 18th-century slave-holding Brazil, Anna Borges fought for her freedom.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
11 July 2025
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The club have given me this bit of freedom to make a decision.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-government.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-government. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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