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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of autonomy
These little moments of autonomy are what brings comfort and consolation in death, and that affords some dignity for us.
—
Malaka Gharib, NPR, 30 Dec. 2025
Somaliland has enjoyed effective autonomy – and relative peace and stability – since 1991 when Somalia descended into civil war, but the breakaway region has failed to receive recognition from any other country.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, Weiser promised in his statement to defend against any federal threats to funding or the state’s autonomy.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 2025
Starr, the Princeton sociologist, correctly predicted that corporatization would remake American health care, and that physicians would lose autonomy and authority.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
Noun
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For a more specialized fit, the Petite Wide-leg Pants are an excellent choice for shorter shoppers, while the Curvy Wide-leg Pants are just as comfortable and flattering (and on sale for almost $40 off).—
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This is evidence that color drenching is a more recent design choice and might not be timeless.—
Noun
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Accessibility Nimmo Bay welcomes wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility—cabins and public spaces are accessible with staff support—but full independence can be challenging given the remote setting's rustic boardwalks, floating docks, and uneven natural terrain.—
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Trump’s quips about acquiring the island have ignited international concerns about Greenland’s independence and sovereignty from lawmakers in Washington and NATO allies alike.—
Noun
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The new agreement says that Ukraine’s sovereignty and its ability to defend itself are non-negotiable elements of any peace deal and warned that its self-defense is essential to its own security and wider Euro-Atlantic stability.—
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Fundamentally, sending in our own military to make the arrest on foreign soil without the consent of the other country would still violate international law and the sovereignty of Venezuela.—
Noun
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Authorities have not said whether the incident constitutes a hate crime, but Jackson Mayor John Horhn framed it as an attack on the Jewish faith and religious freedom.—
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But those hoping for a decisive intervention that tips the balance toward freedom will be disappointed.—
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.—
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Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.—
Cite this Entry
“Autonomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/autonomy. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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