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
Andrews also highlighted Manchester native Wunmi Mosaku landing her first BAFTA nomination for Sinners and the Outstanding British Film nominations list as a sign of BAFTA’s autonomy.
—
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026
In automotive terms, this goes beyond today’s Level 2 driver assistance systems or Level 3 autonomy.
—Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Prosecutors allege Taylor and Brannon ran a cult-like organization that coerced and stripped followers of their autonomy under threats of physical violence, food deprivation and eternal damnation.
—Christopher Spata Tampa Bay Times, Arkansas Online, 17 Jan. 2026
Get a little bit of autonomy; be a man; do whatever.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026
In automotive terms, this goes beyond today’s Level 2 driver assistance systems or Level 3 autonomy.
—Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Prosecutors allege Taylor and Brannon ran a cult-like organization that coerced and stripped followers of their autonomy under threats of physical violence, food deprivation and eternal damnation.
—Christopher Spata Tampa Bay Times, Arkansas Online, 17 Jan. 2026
Get a little bit of autonomy; be a man; do whatever.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
Noun
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For a more specialized fit, the Petite Wide-leg Pants are an excellent choice for shorter shoppers, while the Curvy Wide-leg Pants are just as comfortable and flattering (and on sale for almost $40 off).—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
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This is evidence that color drenching is a more recent design choice and might not be timeless.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Gold also continued its rally as investors are flocking to the safe haven amid challenges to the Federal Reserve’s independence and a weakening dollar.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Following the country’s independence in 1991, the Kazakhstan Premier League was formed, a competition that Kairat have won five times — including the last two editions in 2024 and 2025.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The ruling on the injunction focused on the argument by Minnesota officials that the federal government is violating the Constitution’s 10th Amendment, which limits the federal government’s powers to infringe on the sovereignty of states.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2026
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Those records were also used to aid federal assimilation efforts and chip away at tribal sovereignty, communal lands and identity.—
Graham Lee Brewer,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Freelancer, however, harkened back to the open concept introduced by Elite, giving players 48 star systems to explore and the freedom to pursue their own destiny as traders, miners, or bounty hunters.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
31 Jan. 2026
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Ordinary citizens in Minnesota have rallied in large numbers to defend constitutional freedoms.—
Binaifer Nowrojee,
Time,
30 Jan. 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 2 Feb. 2026.
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