autonomy

noun

ȯ-ˈtä-nə-mē How to pronounce autonomy (audio)
Definition of autonomynext
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

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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

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 Some of the migrants eventually returned, but the diplomatic rupture was only repaired when Spain backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in 2022. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 31 July 2026 Successive leaders after 2016 failed to develop a clear post-Brexit doctrine, relying instead on an ad hoc balancing act between an Atlantic path, more cooperation with European partners and strategic autonomy. — Garret Martin, The Conversation, 31 July 2026 That’s important; the new head of hockey ops will have autonomy to execute their own vision. — Max Bultman, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Solo travel and solo dining are increasingly being embraced as a choice and a symbol of autonomy. — Npr Staff, NPR, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
  1. choice
  2. independence
  3. sovereignty
  4. freedom
  5. independency
Noun
  • This fuss-free pair has it all—plenty of color choices, comfy low heels, and a sleek, versatile design that will easily match any outfit, especially mini skirts and dresses.
    — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The choice between El-Sayed and Stevens has become a focal point for Democrats this year, and the race has become bitter.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of choice
Noun
  • Specialists there help adults and children recover their independence after brain and spinal injuries, stroke or neurological conditions, according to a statement on Tuesday.
    — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The nomination is still in flux, but was that a meaningful sign of GOP independence?
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of independence
Noun
  • Tribal governments, whose compacts trade exclusivity for revenue shares, have their own version of the grievance, which is why four New Mexico tribes sued Kalshi in May on sovereignty grounds.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The operation was criticized by the Organization of African Unity — the African Union’s predecessor organization — which saw the raid as a violation of Uganda’s sovereignty.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of sovereignty
Noun
  • But the Cochin Jewish community's complex history includes both religious freedom and internal divisions over class and colorism.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Even veterans given considerable resources and artistic freedom for a live-action feature may find their specific sensibilities are just better suited to animation.
    — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of freedom
Noun
  • Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.
    — Barton Swaim, WSJ, 27 Dec. 2021
  • His seemingly daily attacks on freedom of speech, the independency of the judiciary, the right to vote and other pillars of our constitutional system are bolstered by an intensely loyal fan base.
    — Christopher Ingraham, Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2020
Definition of independency

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Cite this Entry

“Autonomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/autonomy. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of autonomy for Spanish Speakers

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