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
Future was actively engaged through the development of DS2 Remixed: The Ballet, providing creative consultation to ensure the performance captured the essence and emotional journey of the original album, while respecting my – and my dancers – artistic autonomy.
—
Okla Jones, Essence, 18 Aug. 2025
For formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants, owning land was one of the few tangible pathways to autonomy, safety, and generational wealth.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 16 Aug. 2025
Complaints were made about senior managers having allegedly no influence over budget control and a lack of autonomy, while it was claimed that the approvals process for spending was taking too long.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
The Smithsonian’s board moved swiftly to affirm its autonomy, but Sajet resigned shortly thereafter.
—News Desk, Artforum, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Okla Jones, Essence, 18 Aug. 2025
For formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants, owning land was one of the few tangible pathways to autonomy, safety, and generational wealth.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 16 Aug. 2025
Complaints were made about senior managers having allegedly no influence over budget control and a lack of autonomy, while it was claimed that the approvals process for spending was taking too long.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
The Smithsonian’s board moved swiftly to affirm its autonomy, but Sajet resigned shortly thereafter.
—News Desk, Artforum, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
Noun
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These customers learn the hard way in viral Tiktok Adults ordering from the kid's menu more The kids menu is also becoming a go-to choice for adult diners, according to the survey.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
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Among the options the panel was considering was whether suggest shots for high-risk groups but still giving lower-risk people the choice to get vaccinated.—
Mike Stobbe,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Importance of Fed independence While not addressing the White House demands for lower rates specifically, Powell did note the importance of Fed independence.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
22 Aug. 2025
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The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.—
Jenny Catlin,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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While Washington threatens, Venezuela steadily advances in peace and sovereignty, demonstrating that true effectiveness against crime is achieved by respecting the independence of its peoples.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Aug. 2025
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Protecting America’s youth and digital sovereignty cannot wait.—
Autumn Dorsey,
Boston Herald,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Now, some parents who are seeking political asylum are faced with a heartbreaking and frightening choice: Go back to the country where their life and/or freedom was threatened or stay in the United States and be separated from your child or children.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
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There is nonetheless greater media freedom in Ukraine — a prerequisite for Kyiv’s aspirations to EU membership.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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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 28 Aug. 2025.
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