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
More autonomy but potentially less guidance With fewer traditional management layers, employees may need to seek out support on their own.
—
Alyshia Hull, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026
Jewish peoplehood, communal autonomy, and distinct national or ethnic consciousness were to dissolve into the universalist framework of the emerging nation-state.
—Kenneth L. Marcus, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
With varying levels of autonomy, the models succeeded in solving over half the problems.
—Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
As things evolve into an adult-to-adult relationship, the parent will need to let go of control, and show respect for their child's autonomy.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Alyshia Hull, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026
Jewish peoplehood, communal autonomy, and distinct national or ethnic consciousness were to dissolve into the universalist framework of the emerging nation-state.
—Kenneth L. Marcus, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
With varying levels of autonomy, the models succeeded in solving over half the problems.
—Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
As things evolve into an adult-to-adult relationship, the parent will need to let go of control, and show respect for their child's autonomy.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
Noun
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Pisces February 19 – March 20 An upcoming choice could strengthen your confidence.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Apr. 2026
-
But then his journey through Amen Corner might have left him wanting to say a few choice words.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The integrity, independence, and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
15 Apr. 2026
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No company embodies the American ideas of freedom, independence, perseverance and individuality more than Harley-Davidson.—
Ricardo Torres,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Dispensaries on tribal land were the first to open because of their sovereignty and ability to make their own rules.—
Frankie McLister,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
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When the deal to cede the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, which claims sovereignty over the Indian Ocean territory, was first announced it was fully supported by the US.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Hungarians of all backgrounds turned up to assert their freedom to assemble.—
Kapil Komireddi,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
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Now, with the burden of history lifted and the demons of past Masters Sundays exorcised, McIlroy exudes a freedom his past steps around this place did not enjoy.—
Justin Ray,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 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 17 Apr. 2026.
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