self-government

noun

ˌself-ˈgə-vər(n)-mənt How to pronounce self-government (audio)
Definition of self-governmentnext
1
as in democracy
government in which the supreme power is held by the people and used by them directly or indirectly through representation self-government implies faith in the wisdom and essential goodness of the people

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2
as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions steely self-government was all that kept her from lashing out at the rude customer

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3
as in autonomy
the state of being free from the control or power of another championed self-government for the nation's indigenous peoples

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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-government Communities are encouraged to reflect on democracy, self-government and civic responsibility. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026 Jack Rakove has similarly observed that the Declaration's meaning has expanded over time, but its original purpose was to establish the legal legitimacy of self-government. — Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 In 1917, Deep Springs College, a college focused on student self-government and manual labor, opened on a California cattle ranch. — Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026 During the 1830s attempts were made to safeguard Aboriginal peoples by placing them under supervision in protectorates, but these attempts failed and were abandoned after the coming of self-government in the 1850s. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-government
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-government
  1. democracy
  2. restraint
  3. autonomy
  4. sovereignty
  5. independence
  6. freedom
  7. independency
Noun
  • Divisions are part of the price of democracy, argued Lincoln author and University of Florida professor Allen Guelzo.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The birthright citizenship ruling was a win for democracy — and a warning about erasing history, argues columnist Anita Chabria.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of democracy
Noun
  • Under an existing state appropriations restraint, also known as the Gann Limit, lawmakers cannot spend more than an amount determined by a formula that takes annual tax proceeds, changes to the population and cost of living into consideration.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • For 70 minutes, Paraguay had played with corseted restraint, frustrating France with organisation, concentration and no little gamesmanship.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of restraint
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
Noun
  • Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.
    — Barton Swaim, WSJ, 27 Dec. 2021
  • His seemingly daily attacks on freedom of speech, the independency of the judiciary, the right to vote and other pillars of our constitutional system are bolstered by an intensely loyal fan base.
    — Christopher Ingraham, Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2020
Definition of independency

Browse Nearby Words

self-governing
self-government
self-gratulatory
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Cite this Entry

“Self-government.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-government. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of self-government for Spanish Speakers

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