self-governance

noun

self-gov·​er·​nance ˌself-ˈgə-vər-nən(t)s How to pronounce self-governance (audio)
Synonyms of self-governancenext
: self-government sense 2

Synonyms of self-governance

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Examples of self-governance in a Sentence

despite pessimistic predictions, self-governance has worked out well for the former colony
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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.
Being a gracious loser is crucial to maintaining democracy and self-governance. — New York Daily News, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026 The town’s commitment to self-governance and cultural preservation shaped the life and work of its most famous resident, Zora Neale Hurston. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Apr. 2026 One requirement of self-governance is the relentless pursuit of truth, which necessarily involves questioning people in positions of power in order to prevent tyranny. — Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026 Trump’s second-term crime crackdown, National Guard deployment and sweeping federal workforce cuts have intensified battles over home rule, public safety and affordability in a city that still lacks full self-governance. — Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-governance

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-governance was in 1848

Rhymes for self-governance

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Browse Nearby Words

self-good
self-governance
self-governed
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Cite this Entry

“Self-governance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-governance. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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