self-governed

adjective

self-gov·​erned ˌself-ˈgə-vərnd 

1

: not influenced or controlled by others

2

: exercising self-control

Synonyms of self-governed

• independent
• autonomous
• sovereign

Examples of self-governed in a Sentence

far beyond the reach of civil or military authorities, the settlers on the frontier were essentially self-governed

Recent Examples on the Web

Villa Marin is self-governed by its residents who own their apartments and pay an average of $6,000 a month in HOA fees. — Itay Hod, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

If individuals are self-governed and do the right thing, less laws and cameras are needed. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026

As a management company, RealManage supports the association’s right to be self-governed. — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, after Nationalist forces fled to the island following their defeat by Chinese Communist powers. — Solcyré Burga, Time, 29 Dec. 2025

Overcrowded, under-resourced, and often effectively self-governed, these facilities have long served as incubators where armed groups recruit, reorganize, and expand their influence. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 10 Dec. 2025

Greenland, which became self-governed in 2009, was colonized by Denmark some 300 years ago and still controls Greenland’s foreign and defense policies. — Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Local nonprofit Safe Ground Sacramento was responsible for operating the camp, which was self-governed by residents. — Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for self-governed

• governed
• ungoverned