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

When evidence is incomplete or when confidence decreases and risk increases, autonomy should be reduced and the human boundary tightened. — Asaf Wiener, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Moriarty's office said rejection killings are a form of femicide in which women are targeted for asserting autonomy over their bodies. — Jason Rantala, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

But the New Jersey treatment center recently introduced a program allowing patients to return home for the evening, offering more autonomy. — Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026

Measuring 86 feet, the multihull is engineered to give owners cruising autonomy, comfort, and reliability. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026