Synonyms of autonomous

autonomous

adjective

ȯ-ˈtä-nə-məs 

as in independent

not being under the rule or control of another

Native American nations are regarded as autonomous in many respects and thus not subject to a number of state and local laws

Synonyms & Similar Words

• independent
• sovereign
• separate
• self-governing
• self-governed
• freestanding
• democratic
• sovran
• self-ruling
• free
• liberated
• empowered
• emancipated
• freeborn
• unsupervised
• freed
• released
• republican
• redeemed
• delivered
• unruled
• unconquered
• manumitted
• enfranchised

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependent
• subject
• nonautonomous
• unfree
• captive
• subjugated
• subdued
• bound
• enslaved
• conquered
• subordinate
• non-self-governing
• fettered
• subservient
• inferior

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective autonomous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of autonomous are free, independent, and sovereign. While all these words mean "not subject to the rule or control of another," autonomous stresses independence in matters pertaining to self-government.

in this denomination each congregation is regarded as autonomous

When might free be a better fit than autonomous?

While the synonyms free and autonomous are close in meaning, free stresses the complete absence of external rule and the full right to make all of one's own decisions.

you're free to do as you like

When is it sensible to use independent instead of autonomous?

The synonyms independent and autonomous are sometimes interchangeable, but independent implies a standing alone; applied to a state it implies lack of connection with any other having power to interfere with its citizens, laws, or policies.

the colony's struggle to become independent

When would sovereign be a good substitute for autonomous?

The words sovereign and autonomous can be used in similar contexts, but sovereign stresses the absence of a superior power and implies supremacy within a thing's own domain or sphere.

separate and sovereign armed services

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of autonomous

Another factor accelerating sticker prices is the amount of high-tech features in new cars, such as infotainment systems with large touchscreens, automatic emergency braking, in-car Wi-Fi, battery systems in hybrids and semi-autonomous driving in electric and high-end vehicles. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025

Far from the constructive ambiguity of the 1992 Consensus, Lai breathlessly argued that Taiwan and China are distinct, autonomous nations, drawing on historical, legal, and identity-based arguments linking the island’s heritage to Austronesian culture, rather than Chinese. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025

Kurt's key takeaways Tesla's dream of a fully autonomous future keeps hitting speed bumps. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025

Where and how to use the DoorDash-Waymo partnership The companies are currently testing the new autonomous delivery service in the Phoenix area. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025