self-governed
Americanadjective
-
governed by itself or having self-government, as a state or community; independent.
- Synonyms:
- autonomous
- Antonyms:
- dependent
-
self-regulating; self-determining.
-
exercising self-restraint or self-control.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of self-governed
First recorded in 1700–10
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.
The schools will establish self-governed student cadet corps programs similar to those of senior military colleges that offer rigorous military education and tactical training.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026
Returning from his Beijing summit with the Chinese leader, the president said that “nothing’s changed” in the U.S. policy toward the democratic, self-governed island.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 15, 2026
For weeks, China and Japan have been engaged in a diplomatic row over the former's claim on self-governed Taiwan, which puts Seoul, a key regional power, in an awkward spot.
From BBC ● Jan. 4, 2026
“We’re a sovereign nation. We’re a self-governed tribe. We want to take care of ourselves because we know how to take care of ourselves,” he said.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 19, 2024
The morals of a nation are influenced to all eternity by the great man's being ambitious or moderate, passionate or philosophical, licentious or self-governed.
From How to Observe Morals and Manners by Harriet Martineau
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