autonomic

adjective

au·​to·​nom·​ic ˌȯ-tə-ˈnä-mik How to pronounce autonomic (audio)
1
: acting or occurring involuntarily
autonomic reflexes
2
: relating to, affecting, or controlled by the autonomic nervous system or its effects or activity
autonomic drugs
autonomically
ˌȯ-tə-ˈnä-mi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce autonomic (audio)
adverb

Examples of autonomic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The same study notes that the hormonal cascade may even dull pain by activating peripheral nerves and autonomic pathways. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026 Researchers are investigating how these types of autonomic nervous-system responses can be measured and used to create smart hearing aids. — IEEE Spectrum, 7 Jan. 2026 Training specifically for the unique autonomic signature of being the overwhelming favorite on the world’s biggest stage is far harder — and far rarer. — Amy Cuddy, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026 Studies on autonomic balance show that leaders who regulate their internal rhythm make clearer decisions and sustain performance longer. — Tony Loyd, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for autonomic

Word History

Etymology

autonomy + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of autonomic was in 1898

Phrases Containing autonomic

Rhymes for autonomic

See All Rhymes for autonomic

Browse Nearby Words

autonoetic
autonomic
autonomic nervous system
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Autonomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autonomic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

autonomic

adjective
au·​to·​nom·​ic ˌȯt-ə-ˈnäm-ik How to pronounce autonomic (audio)
: of, relating to, controlled by, or being part of the autonomic nervous system

Medical Definition

autonomic

adjective
au·​to·​nom·​ic ˌȯt-ə-ˈnäm-ik How to pronounce autonomic (audio)
1
a
: acting or occurring involuntarily
autonomic reflexes
b
: relating to, affecting, or controlled by the autonomic nervous system
autonomic ganglia
autonomic dysfunction
2
: having an effect upon tissue supplied by the autonomic nervous system
autonomic drugs
autonomically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce autonomic (audio)
adverb
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