self-governance

noun

ˌself-ˈgə-vər-nən(t)s How to pronounce self-governance (audio)
Definition of self-governancenext
as in autonomy
the state of being free from the control or power of another despite pessimistic predictions, self-governance has worked out well for the former colony

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of self-governance Thomas Paine's 1776 vision for American democracy, founded on self-governance and diverse civic participation, remains crucial today. — Michael Posner, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 In 1887, Black Eatonville and white Maitland chose cooperation, self-governance and mutual respect by helping establish Historic Eatonville’s future. — John W. Beacham, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026 In response, Britain imposed the punitive Coercive Acts (1774), closing Boston Harbour and stripping Massachusetts of self-governance. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 4 July 2026 Scott Michelman, legal director at the American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia, said the situation underscores the city’s limits on self-governance. — Gary Fields, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-governance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-governance
  1. autonomy
  2. sovereignty
  3. independence
  4. freedom
Noun
  • Unlike physical aggression, coercive control operates through monitoring, intimidation, isolation, guilt and restrictions on a partner’s autonomy.
    — Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026
  • Today, Tibet retains autonomy but remains under political, military, and administrative control from China.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
Definition of autonomy
Noun
  • Stubb highlighted that Ukraine had managed to preserve its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity despite more than four years of full-scale invasion by Moscow.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • After some revisions, the Continental Congress on July 2 voted to accept the declaration of our national sovereignty.
    — Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026
Definition of sovereignty
Noun
  • The country, once split between British and French colonization, gained independence in 1960.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
  • Fed independence is either sacrosanct or an unelected board protecting Wall Street.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of independence
Noun
  • Both countries have stepped up efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation and uphold international law in the strait, including hosting a summit with 51 other nations in April.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • And so really the differences that freedom represents to every American but all represented under that one flag.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of freedom

Browse Nearby Words

self-glory
self-governance
self-governed
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Cite this Entry

“Self-governance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-governance. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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