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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of autonomy
Take the time to cultivate a team that’s aligned with the journey and give them autonomy to thrive.
—
Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026
But Meghan’s critics could still say that her fun family posts constitute a potential invasion of her children’s privacy and autonomy, especially if they are being used for commercial purposes.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026
And how much autonomy and value humans will retain.
—Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
In a previous interview, Nichols said the union’s concerns center on pay, workload and job conditions for school administrators, including long hours and limited autonomy.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026
But Meghan’s critics could still say that her fun family posts constitute a potential invasion of her children’s privacy and autonomy, especially if they are being used for commercial purposes.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026
And how much autonomy and value humans will retain.
—Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
In a previous interview, Nichols said the union’s concerns center on pay, workload and job conditions for school administrators, including long hours and limited autonomy.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
Noun
-
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
-
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage.—
Larry Holder,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Since then, al-Sharaa, a former leader of al-Qaida’s branch in Syria, has improved relations with Western countries and last year became the first Syrian head of state to visit Washington since Syria’s independence in 1946.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 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
-
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
-
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 15 Apr. 2026.
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