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

In December, Israel became the first to recognise Somaliland's independence since it seceded from Somalia in 1991, drawing angry condemnation from the federal government in Mogadishu, even though it has been self-governing for 35 years.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

During Greenland’s elections last year, voters gave first place to Demokraatit, a center-right pro-business party that has never held power but is strongly opposed to an American takeover of the self-governing territory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

The Ainu lived in self-governing communities across the island and maintained their own traditions under Japanese imperial rule.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2025

Indigenous peoples of what came to be called the Americas were citizens of self-governing nations.

From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz