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
Supporting reproductive justice policies that affirm bodily autonomy and access to care.
—
Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Their expertise and training usually have their roots in Western, individualistic contexts, steeping them in ideals such as autonomy, empowerment, egalitarianism, and authenticity.
—David Livermore, Harvard Business Review, 9 Apr. 2025
These situations provide excellent opportunities for the other to have complete autonomy over the decisions.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2025
These figures — who often come from photographs Sherald has taken or appropriated — look back at us, claiming our attention and their own autonomy.
—Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Their expertise and training usually have their roots in Western, individualistic contexts, steeping them in ideals such as autonomy, empowerment, egalitarianism, and authenticity.
—David Livermore, Harvard Business Review, 9 Apr. 2025
These situations provide excellent opportunities for the other to have complete autonomy over the decisions.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2025
These figures — who often come from photographs Sherald has taken or appropriated — look back at us, claiming our attention and their own autonomy.
—Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
Noun
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The 266th pope led with humble demeanor and lived a modest lifestyle — choices that stood in contrast to some previous popes.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2025
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For those not skilled in cooking, baking, or crafting, a bottle of wine may seem like an obvious choice for a host gift.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Real-Life Examples Of Evolving Goals A couple who planned to retire early shifts their focus to charitable work after achieving financial independence.—
Andrew Rosen,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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Washington controversially backed Islamabad during the 1971 War of Bangladeshi independence, which oversaw what many analysts describe as a genocide against Bangladeshis.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The country's current head of state, President Joseph Aoun, is an independent who has both called for Hezbollah to disarm and for Israel to respect Lebanese sovereignty.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Apr. 2025
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Leaders of Ukraine, meanwhile, are pushing to maintain independence and sovereignty.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In a time when everything feels expensive, that kind of freedom is priceless.—
Ruhama Wolle,
Glamour,
18 Apr. 2025
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According to legend, when the Spanish invaded, some Muisca chose to leap from the waterfall rather than surrender, believing they would be transformed into condors, soaring to freedom.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2025
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 30 Apr. 2025.
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