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.

Rubio, addressing reporters at the White House, said he was sure that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping would discuss Taiwan, the self-governing democratic island claimed by Beijing.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

The airspace reserved in the current alerts is hundreds of miles away from the self-governing island.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

For weeks, Trump has spoken about his desire to acquire Greenland, a largely self-governing territory of Denmark.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

The self-governing Cook Islands remain in "free association" with former colonial ruler New Zealand, which is still involved in areas such as defence and foreign affairs.

From Barron's • Dec. 2, 2025

In politics, much has been made of the rise of monarchies at the expense of formerly self-governing city-states throughout the Greek world.

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro