self-imposed

adjective

self-im·​posed ˌself-im-ˈpōzd How to pronounce self-imposed (audio)
Synonyms of self-imposednext
: imposed by oneself : voluntarily assumed
a self-imposed deadline
living in self-imposed exile

Synonyms of self-imposed

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Examples of self-imposed in a Sentence

if the candidates all follow self-imposed campaign-spending limits, government oversight is unnecessary
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.
How much pressure is self-imposed, and how much is out of your control? — Andee Tagle, NPR, 17 Apr. 2026 But some of the obstacles to growth in Half Moon Bay are self-imposed. — John Ramos, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026 His Hollywood exile was self-imposed…and happily on his own terms. — Chris Nashawaty, Vanity Fair, 16 Feb. 2026 Among the younger casts on the network, there seems to be a directive — whether self-imposed or spoken aloud by producers — to couple up as quickly and as messily as possible. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-imposed

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-imposed was in 1657

Rhymes for self-imposed

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Browse Nearby Words

self-important
self-imposed
self-impotent
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Cite this Entry

“Self-imposed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-imposed. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

self-imposed

adjective
self-im·​posed
ˌsel-fim-ˈpōzd
: imposed on one by oneself : voluntarily assumed
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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