Self-determination — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən/ self-de·ter·mi·na·tion

Meaning & Definition of Self-determination

Self-determination (noun)

  1. free choice of one's own acts or states without external compulsion
  2. determination by the people of a territorial unit of their own future political status

Self-determination (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the act or power of making one's own choices or decisions

    "the United States officially recognizes 18 as the age at which someone is entitled to self-determination"

    similar: accord, autonomy, choice, free will, volition, will
    related: election, preference, selection, bent, devices, disposition, inclination, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency, alternative, discretion, option, pick, way
    near: coercion, compulsion, constraint, duress, force, pressure

  2. the state of being free from the control or power of another

    "rebels fighting for the territory's self-determination"

    similar: autonomy, freedom, independence, independency, liberty, self-governance, self-government, sovereignty
    related: emancipation, enfranchisement, liberation, manumission, release
    opposite: dependence, heteronomy, subjection, unfreedom
    near: captivity, enchainment, enslavement, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration, internment, subjugation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Self-determination

The most common words with a similar meaning to Self-determination:

accord, autonomy, choice, free will, volition, will, freedom, independence, independency, liberty, self-governance, self-government, sovereignty

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Self-determination

Words with the opposite meaning of Self-determination:

dependence, heteronomy, subjection, unfreedom

Related Words for Self-determination

election, preference, selection, bent, devices, disposition, inclination, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency, alternative, discretion, option, pick, way, emancipation, enfranchisement, liberation, manumission, release

Near Antonyms of Self-determination

coercion, compulsion, constraint, duress, force, pressure, captivity, enchainment, enslavement, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration, internment, subjugation

Origin & Etymology of Self-determination

First known use: circa 1670

Frequently Asked Questions about Self-determination

What does "Self-determination" mean?

"Self-determination" means free choice of one's own acts or states without external compulsion. As a noun, it is defined as: free choice of one's own acts or states without external compulsion. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Self-determination"?

Other words for "Self-determination" include accord, autonomy, choice, free will, volition, will, freedom and independence. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Self-determination" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Self-determination"?

There are 38 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Self-determination". Common alternatives include accord, autonomy, choice, free will, volition, will, freedom, independence, independency and liberty.

What is the opposite of "Self-determination"?

Antonyms of "Self-determination" include dependence, heteronomy, subjection and unfreedom. Near antonyms include coercion, compulsion, constraint and duress.

How do you use "Self-determination" in a sentence?

Examples of "Self-determination" in a sentence: "the United States officially recognizes 18 as the age at which someone is entitled to self-determination"; "rebels fighting for the territory's self-determination".

Is "Self-determination" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Self-determination" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Self-determination"?

"Self-determination" is pronounced /ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən/ and divided into syllables as self-de·ter·mi·na·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Self-determination"?

First known use: circa 1670.