self-governing

adjective

self-gov·​ern·​ing ˌself-ˈgə-vər-niŋ How to pronounce self-governing (audio)
Synonyms of self-governingnext
: having control or rule over oneself
specifically : having self-government : autonomous

Synonyms of self-governing

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Examples of self-governing in a Sentence

she left home and became entirely self-governing and financially independent at the age of 18 a self-governing nation that could be a role model for other countries in the region
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Northern Mariana Islands opted to become a self-governing commonwealth in association with the United States. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026 One of the key locations for the exercise is Yonaguni, Japan's westernmost island just 68 miles east of Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing calls its own territory. — Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026 There was no immediate confirmation from Taiwan, the self-governing island that China claims as its own. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026 Still, rising tensions over the self-governing island loom in the background, as the Iran war depletes the US’ weapons stockpile and Taiwan’s AI chip production raises the stakes for any potential conflict. — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-governing

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-governing was in 1592

Rhymes for self-governing

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Browse Nearby Words

self-governed
self-governing
self-government
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Cite this Entry

“Self-governing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-governing. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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