Synonyms of autonomy

autonomy

noun

ȯ-ˈtä-nə-mē 

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

• choice
• self-determination
• volition
• free will
• option
• will
• accord
• election
• preference
• selection
• devices
• predisposition
• inclination
• tendency
• discretion
• predilection
• alternative
• propensity
• disposition
• partiality
• penchant
• proclivity
• bent
• leaning
• way
• pick

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pressure
• force
• coercion
• constraint
• compulsion
• duress

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

• independence
• sovereignty
• freedom
• independency
• liberty
• liberation
• self-governance
• emancipation
• self-determination
• self-government
• manumission
• enfranchisement
• release

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependence
• subjection
• heteronomy
• unfreedom
• subjugation
• imprisonment
• captivity
• enslavement
• incarceration
• internment
• enchainment
• immurement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of autonomy

Except in the extreme, legislators are loath to devalue local autonomy while also prioritizing delivery of state aid to diminish local tax burdens. — David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026

But that same autonomy can be a flaw and speeding grows out of that. — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 1 Nov. 2026

As the distinction between man and machine disappears, our lack of bodily autonomy, which is already so great, may only become greater. — Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026

But there are also political and psychological reasons to make autonomy the default. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026