self-governed

[ self-guhv-ernd, self- ]

adjective

1. governed by itself or having self-government, as a state or community; independent.

   Synonyms: autonomous

   Antonyms: dependent

2. self-regulating; self-determining.
3. exercising self-restraint or self-control.

Other Words From

• self-govern·ing adjective
• nonself-govern·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-governed¹

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

Chinese military drills off the Taiwanese coast have intensified in recent years as its claims over the self-governed island have grown.

From BBC

The exercises reinforce what is at the heart of the issue: China's claim over self-governed Taiwan.

From BBC

Beijing's claims over self-governed Taiwan have been another source of strain.

From BBC

Japan in recent years has significantly reinforced its defenses in southwestern Japan, including Okinawa and its outer islands that are considered strategically key in response to growing Chinese assertiveness and tensions around Taiwan, a self-governed island claimed by Beijing.

From Seattle Times

China has also imposed sanctions against some U.S. aerospace and defense manufacturers to retaliate against sales of weapons to Taiwan, a self-governed island it claims as its territory.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• absolute
• autonomous
• unlimited