self-government

noun

self-gov·​ern·​ment ˌself-ˈgə-vər(n)-mənt How to pronounce self-government (audio)
-ˈgə-vᵊm-ənt
Synonyms of self-governmentnext
1
: self-control, self-command
2
: government under the control and direction of the inhabitants of a political unit rather than by an outside authority
broadly : control of one's own affairs

Synonyms of self-government

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Examples of self-government in a Sentence

self-government implies faith in the wisdom and essential goodness of the people steely self-government was all that kept her from lashing out at the rude customer championed self-government for the nation's indigenous peoples
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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.
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the US Constitution. — Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 In 1776, few people believed this new version of self-government would last. — John Stossel, Oc Register, 30 May 2026 The First Amendment was written to protect the speech that makes self-government possible. — Paul Oestreicher, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026 Appreciation for American liberty and self-government has to be both taught and practiced. — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-government

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-government was in 1622

Rhymes for self-government

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Browse Nearby Words

self-governing
self-government
self-gratification
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

self-government

noun
self-gov·​ern·​ment
ˈself-ˈgəv-ər(n)-mənt, 
-ˈgəv-ᵊm-ənt
1
: control over one's own actions : self-control
2
: government by action of the people making up a community
especially : democratic government
self-governed
-ˈgəv-ərnd
adjective
self-governing
-ər-niŋ
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on self-government

Nglish: Translation of self-government for Spanish Speakers

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