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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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of autonomy To build machines with lifelike autonomy, researchers are turning to a new concept: autonomous physical intelligence (API). New Atlas, 29 June 2025 Norton has long championed legislation to grant the District of Columbia full congressional representation and greater autonomy, a cause that has defined much of her tenure in the House. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 In an interview last week, Newkirk reiterated that what had happened to her daughter was a breach of autonomy. Christine Henneberg, The Atlantic, 24 June 2025 Unlike the previous release, there's no cloud component, allowing robots to operate with full autonomy. ArsTechnica, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
Noun
  • This focus aligns with their desire to generate positive societal and environmental impacts through their investment choices.
    Hemanth Golla, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • March 2025 The Lovers: March seems to be a month of making major choices and aligning with your future self, Pisces.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Foster self-confidence and independence in your child.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 4 July 2025
  • A little more than a week later, the Smithsonian asserts its independence and throws its support behind its secretary Lonnie G. Bunch.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • The United States is declining into authoritarianism and threatening Canada’s sovereignty.
    Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025
  • Mejia envisions a Panamerican awakening—a cross-continental coalition of talent, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship that can compete with China, defend digital sovereignty, and export innovation—not just commodities.
    Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The wisdom of one MVP — and the freedom granted by Sparks coach Michael Cooper — helped ignite the greatest rookie season in WNBA history.
    Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • The freedom to pass on one’s beliefs to the next generation is a cornerstone of any truly pluralistic society.
    Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 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
  • Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.
    Barton Swaim, WSJ, 27 Dec. 2021

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Cite this Entry

“Autonomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/autonomy. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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