self-government

[self-guhv-ern-muhnt, -er-muhnt, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈgʌv ərn mənt, -ər mənt, ˈsɛlf- /

NOUN

freedom

Synonyms

STRONGEST

autonomy discretion flexibility immunity independence sovereignty

STRONG

abandon abandonment ability bent compass exemption facility independency indulgence latitude laxity leeway liberty margin opportunity play power prerogative privilege profligacy range rein right rope scope sweep swing unrestraint

WEAK

carte blanche elbowroom free rein full play full swing laissez faire own accord plenty of rope rampancy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dependence

STRONG

extreme impotence inability incompetence limitation restraint weakness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Their charitable giving supports a range of civic associations that train citizens in the skills and habits needed for self-government.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

Danes returning after the war found a population that wanted self-government.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 24, 2026

The opposing argument begins with a simple intuition: In a society defined by self-government, as America is, there is no such thing as citizenship without consent.

From Salon • Dec. 9, 2025

Greenland is an autonomous Danish dependent territory with self-government and its own parliament.

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2024

This era saw baseball teams organized among inmates, as well as the groundbreaking establishment of an organization of inmate self-government, the Mutual Welfare League.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Vocabulary lists containing self-government

The American Revolution - Introductory

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The American Revolution - Middle School and High School

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History of India - Introductory

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