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
By the end, the film leaves a lasting impression — not only as a commentary on reproductive rights but as a human story of autonomy and compassion, and the lengths some women must go to preserve their own free will.
—
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 May 2025
With this approach, everyone has some autonomy while still eating the same core meal, according to Thiry.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 8 May 2025
Later that year, the Indian government stripped Kashmir of its autonomy status.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 8 May 2025
The greater autonomy people have today to make their own romantic decisions can feel simultaneously empowering and confusing.
—Sophia Stewart, The Atlantic, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 May 2025
With this approach, everyone has some autonomy while still eating the same core meal, according to Thiry.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 8 May 2025
Later that year, the Indian government stripped Kashmir of its autonomy status.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 8 May 2025
The greater autonomy people have today to make their own romantic decisions can feel simultaneously empowering and confusing.
—Sophia Stewart, The Atlantic, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
Noun
-
Impossible decision Nicole and Kyle then had a choice to make.—
Karen Weintraub,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
-
This modern and modular outdoor option comes in both a love seat and a three-seater-sofa sizing to best suit your back patio and 10 fabric choices.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
In her ruling, Judge Howell framed the targeting of Perkins as an attack on the independence of the legal profession and the judicial system.—
Ryan Lucas,
NPR,
3 May 2025
-
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage.—
Tyler Holzhammer,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
Even after the restoration of full sovereignty with German reunification in 1990, German officials still trod lightly.—
Mark I. Vail,
The Conversation,
16 May 2025
-
As a result, its ability to translate regulatory ambitions into digital sovereignty is limited.—
Ian Bremmer,
Foreign Affairs,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
The trial has implications not only for Combs' freedom but for the future of his business interests.—
Amanda Castro
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 May 2025
-
Experts say the moves will create a vacuum for promoting freedom and representative government, and could accelerate what many see as antidemocratic trends around the world.—
Christine Fernando,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2025
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 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share