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
Relevance
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
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
The period of late teens to early 20s is an important time for young people to develop a sense of autonomy and independence, says Steinberg.
—
Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 15 June 2026
Viewing immigration enforcement through a reproductive justice lens reveals how access to care, bodily autonomy and community stability are deeply connected – and how obstructing them has real health consequences.
—Jallicia Jolly, The Conversation, 15 June 2026
While that support can be invaluable, experts stress the importance of preserving a father’s autonomy.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 June 2026
From insurers to executives, everyone involved in building or using these systems will carry a piece of the accountability as autonomy grows and risks rise.
—John Werner, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 15 June 2026
Viewing immigration enforcement through a reproductive justice lens reveals how access to care, bodily autonomy and community stability are deeply connected – and how obstructing them has real health consequences.
—Jallicia Jolly, The Conversation, 15 June 2026
While that support can be invaluable, experts stress the importance of preserving a father’s autonomy.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 June 2026
From insurers to executives, everyone involved in building or using these systems will carry a piece of the accountability as autonomy grows and risks rise.
—John Werner, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
Noun
-
In some ways, the first lady stuck to her common fashion choices for fight night.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
-
As a result, many once-popular design choices are beginning to feel dated.—
Angelika Pokovba,
Martha Stewart,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
The project, the National Garden of American Heroes, is slated to feature 250 statues of historical figures from America’s past who have contributed to the nation's cultural, scientific, economic, and political heritage, commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
-
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
The European Commission added that the latest developments underline Europe’s need for technological sovereignty.—
Maggie Eastland,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
-
This tension between the desire to increase access to powerful models that can generate significant revenues for AI model companies and benefits for users on the one hand, and regulators who want to restrict access for safety and sovereignty issues on the other is becoming the main story.—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Switzerland’s freedom of movement initiative with the European Union would also potentially end, should the population rise above the 10-million threshold.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
13 June 2026
-
Tokyo — When a Japanese court granted Hiromu Sakahara a retrial, there was no defendant in the dock celebrating the prospect of freedom.—
Yumi Asada,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Autonomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/autonomy. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
