1
as in choice
the act or power of making one's own choices or decisions
the director agreed to make the film only on the condition that she be given complete autonomy for the casting
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in independence
the state of being free from the control or power of another
finding the mother country's treatment of them oppressive and intolerable, the 13 British colonies made the momentous decision to seek autonomy
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of autonomy
These roles are the cheerleader, who provides emotional support; the coach, who supports autonomy by helping students clarify their values and problem-solve; and the safety monitor, who communicates clear expectations around issues of potential harm and checks in about health and risk behaviors.
—
Beverly Kingston, The Conversation, 9 June 2026
Not liking acting as a child came from feeling a lack of autonomy in my decisions and creativity.
—Marcel Ruiz, IndieWire, 8 June 2026
FieldAI already uses Ouster’s lidar technology to support navigation and autonomy in complex operational settings.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026
To founders, Mammoth gives its pitch as an owner that offers independence and autonomy, with the infrastructure and corporate support that can introduce upstarts to big retailers like Target.
—Amelia Lucas,melissa Repko, CNBC, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Beverly Kingston, The Conversation, 9 June 2026
Not liking acting as a child came from feeling a lack of autonomy in my decisions and creativity.
—Marcel Ruiz, IndieWire, 8 June 2026
FieldAI already uses Ouster’s lidar technology to support navigation and autonomy in complex operational settings.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026
To founders, Mammoth gives its pitch as an owner that offers independence and autonomy, with the infrastructure and corporate support that can introduce upstarts to big retailers like Target.
—Amelia Lucas,melissa Repko, CNBC, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
Noun
-
In some ways, the first lady stuck to her common fashion choices for fight night.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
-
With a focus on driving down the high cost of living, fixing our broken health care system, getting ICE under control, ending this reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East and cleaning up corruption.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
14 June 2026
Noun
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From agricultural legacy, alternative modernization and pride in heritage, a lifestyle of independence and historical significance can be witnessed.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
-
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Around 64% of Saudi Arabia’s total energy supply was from oil in 2023, according to International Energy Agency data, suggesting in this case the trade-off for sovereignty could be sustainability.—
Tasmin Lockwood,
CNBC,
9 Dec. 2025
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The two Southeast Asian nations have long disputed territorial sovereignty along their land border of more than 500 miles, according to The Associated Press.—
Morgan Winsor,
ABC News,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Giving Salah that freedom has now become a problem, not just a tactical quirk.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
12 Dec. 2025
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The adoption of the UDHR on December 10, 1948, recognized human rights as the foundation for freedom, justice and peace.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
This visit was very important signal for our partners that Kyiv, much more safety right now, and also very important signal that Great Britain stay together with Ukraine, support Ukraine -- support our country in the fight for our freedom, for our independency.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2022
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Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.—
Barton Swaim,
WSJ,
27 Dec. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Autonomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/autonomy. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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