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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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 Trust grows when people have autonomy, clear expectations and accountability for results without sacrificing the human experience. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Both gripping and historically vital, the film struck us with how urgently its questions about justice, race, and bodily autonomy still resonate today. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026 They are also reflected in lesson plans, teachers’ workloads, classroom time, professional autonomy and the opportunities that disappear when preparing for a test becomes a central purpose of schooling. — Liza Bondurant, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026 Following a pledge last month from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to rebalance fair trade, cut red tape and strengthen industrial and strategic autonomy, Euratex said that the Commission must act immediately on those commitments. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
  1. choice
  2. independence
  3. sovereignty
  4. freedom
  5. independency
Noun
  • And per-action authorization proves an instruction was permitted, not that the decision behind it was sound; an agent manipulated into a bad choice within its authority still needs monitoring and human oversight.
    — Julian Durand, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • For now, however, Bangladesh’s garment workers—and billions across the Global South—have little choice but to endure given scant signs of relief in oil markets.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of choice
Noun
  • The three lines of defense model reinforces accountability while preserving appropriate independence.
    — Manny Khan, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The vote had faced concerns of possible foreign interference after Canadian newspaper the Globe and Mail reported Republican operatives had assisted top separatist leaders with their independence bid.
    — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of independence
Noun
  • Lula has instead emphasized multilateralism, ties with the Global South and China — Brazil’s largest export market — and his resistance to Trump’s tariff measures as a defense of national sovereignty.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The three providers built around European technology received a higher sovereignty rating.
    — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of sovereignty
Noun
  • My first exit gave me that freedom, but also a sense of unfinished business.
    — Daniel Kjellén, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The decades-long contract with Cheniere indicates that Qatar sees a risk that freedom of navigation will never return to Hormuz as Iran keeps attacking tankers, Munton said.
    — Spencer Kimball,Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 23 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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