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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of autonomy
The spiral of events that follow ups the pathos while quietly commenting on rigid patriarchal rules, male privilege, sanctimonious moral posturing, the denial of women’s bodily autonomy and contempt for otherness, things all still very much with us today.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
The independent contractor status is fundamental to the workers’ autonomy, said Lemur.
—Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
The independent contractor status is fundamental to the workers’ autonomy, said Lemur.
—Jessica Hill, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Green steered Chelsea’s recruitment as part of his role but has had less autonomy over squad building since Hayes left in 2024.
—Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
The independent contractor status is fundamental to the workers’ autonomy, said Lemur.
—Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
The independent contractor status is fundamental to the workers’ autonomy, said Lemur.
—Jessica Hill, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Green steered Chelsea’s recruitment as part of his role but has had less autonomy over squad building since Hayes left in 2024.
—Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
Noun
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The cow or chicken choice seemed rather crucial at the time.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
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In this regard, recommendations of top Wall Street analysts can help investors make the right choice, as these experts assign buy ratings after a thorough analysis of a company's fundamentals and its ability to consistently pay dividends.—
,
CNBC,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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These include emotional regulation, giving and receiving feedback, independence and teamwork.—
Erick Trevino,
AZCentral.com,
18 Feb. 2026
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Like Fed officials who vote on interest-rate decisions, researchers at the 12 regional banks and Board of Governors go to great lengths to establish independence from outside political actors.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Emmanuel Macron equated territorial sovereignty with the rights of the French to police their own misinformation and democracy.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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And the loss of our supply chain sovereignty was not a function of a prosperous and healthy system of global trade.—
Azhar Sukri,
CNBC,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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His detention on Thursday drew sharp condemnation from press freedom advocates, who described it as an attack on media independence and democratic norms.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
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The state’s Republican governor, Henry McMaster, and major GOP candidates to replace him have largely framed their responses to the measles outbreak around the concept of medical freedom, particularly when discussing vaccine mandates.—
Jennifer Berry Hawes,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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 22 Feb. 2026.
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