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
At the same time, allied nations are looking to Michigan for expertise in ground vehicle capabilities, autonomy, modular open systems architecture (MOSA), defense and cybersecurity.
—
Carol Cain, Freep.com, 3 Aug. 2025
The zoot suit was the swagger of the moment and became a symbol of noncompliance and aesthetic autonomy in the face of racist policing and assimilationist pressure.
—Alexandra Jane, Essence, 31 July 2025
The system prioritizes individual autonomy and respect for end-of-life choices.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
But its recurring theme — Ed as a jealous interloper undermining owner Wilbur Post’s domestic life — can be read as a surreal meditation on masculinity, autonomy and repression in suburban America.
—Chris Reed, Oc Register, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Carol Cain, Freep.com, 3 Aug. 2025
The zoot suit was the swagger of the moment and became a symbol of noncompliance and aesthetic autonomy in the face of racist policing and assimilationist pressure.
—Alexandra Jane, Essence, 31 July 2025
The system prioritizes individual autonomy and respect for end-of-life choices.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
But its recurring theme — Ed as a jealous interloper undermining owner Wilbur Post’s domestic life — can be read as a surreal meditation on masculinity, autonomy and repression in suburban America.
—Chris Reed, Oc Register, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
Noun
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Patton believes that people sometimes make choices out of a fear of being alone instead of waiting for the person they are meant to be with.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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There was a fire lit in the nursery, and the table was laid with three choices of cake.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Powell has come under massive pressure from Trump this year, whose attacks over interest rates have raised the possibility that the era of Fed independence could be coming to an end.—
Billy Bambrough,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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Many of my fellow conservatives have sought to suffocate the U.S. renewables industry in their pursuit of energy independence despite both wind and gas turbines being mostly made in America.—
Leo Schwartz,
Fortune,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Governments are enforcing where training and inference take place, and laws and regulations are becoming more stringent. Take a strategic, proactive approach to prepare for data sovereignty barriers.—
Mark Mahle,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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But Israel's actions significantly undermined international law and further eroded Lebanese sovereignty and credibility.—
Lynn Zovighian,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 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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Spence dedicated his life to fighting for the rights and freedom of ordinary people, colleague Joseph H. Low IV said in a statement.—
Nino Paoli,
Fortune,
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 19 Aug. 2025.
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