Synonyms of autonomy

autonomy

noun

ȯ-ˈtä-nə-mē 

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

• choice
• self-determination
• volition
• free will
• option
• will
• accord
• election
• preference
• selection
• devices
• predisposition
• inclination
• tendency
• discretion
• predilection
• alternative
• propensity
• disposition
• partiality
• penchant
• proclivity
• bent
• leaning
• way
• pick

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pressure
• force
• coercion
• constraint
• compulsion
• duress

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• independence
• sovereignty
• freedom
• independency
• liberty
• liberation
• self-governance
• emancipation
• self-determination
• self-government
• manumission
• enfranchisement
• release

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependence
• subjection
• heteronomy
• unfreedom
• subjugation
• imprisonment
• captivity
• enslavement
• incarceration
• internment
• enchainment
• immurement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of autonomy

Rivian, still a major non-controlling shareholder, factors into that roadmap too, since its growing fleet of on-road vehicles generates the driving data Also will eventually need to train its own autonomy systems. — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

The partnership is intended to combine Vatn’s undersea autonomy technology with Taiwan’s research and industrial capabilities, according to NCSIST. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026

Quebec, which is about 80% French-speaking, already has significant autonomy. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Arab allies that have lost faith in the United States will increasingly exercise their autonomy. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026