autonomy
noun
au·ton·o·my
ȯ-ˈtä-nə-mē 
plural autonomies
1
: the quality or state of being self-governing
2
: self-directing freedom and especially moral independence
personal autonomy
3
: a self-governing state
Synonyms
Examples of autonomy in a Sentence
The Catalans take the matter of their language very seriously; it is an outward indication of their autonomy, of their distinction from the rest of Spain.
—
Polly Evans, It's Not About the Tapas, 2006
The term empire implies more than simple cultural dominance or preeminent military power. It applies to states that use force to occupy and control a group of other states or regions. The conquered states, robbed of autonomy and political independence, become colonies, provinces, or territories of the imperial power. Taxes are levied, laws are imposed, soldiers are conscripted, governors are installed—all without the consent of the subjugated state.
—Michael J. Glennon, Wilson Quarterly, Summer 2002
The social payoff of the new knowledge would be new technology, then new industries and new jobs. Compton got nowhere with the administration, partly because he was an anti-New Dealer, partly because the government was unwilling to grant scientists the autonomy that they claimed, and partly because his program represented a trickle-down approach to economic recovery.
—Daniel J. Kevles, New Republic, 30 Sept. 2002
Usually, Americans think of freedom as a condition of personal autonomy, independence from the will of others. This way of thinking reflects just the kind of distinction—between oneself and the rest of the group of which one is a part—that Dewey considered false.
—Louis Menand, The Metaphysical Club, 2001
a teacher who encourages individual autonomy
The territory has been granted autonomy.
Polly Evans, It's Not About the Tapas, 2006
The term empire implies more than simple cultural dominance or preeminent military power. It applies to states that use force to occupy and control a group of other states or regions. The conquered states, robbed of autonomy and political independence, become colonies, provinces, or territories of the imperial power. Taxes are levied, laws are imposed, soldiers are conscripted, governors are installed—all without the consent of the subjugated state.
—Michael J. Glennon, Wilson Quarterly, Summer 2002
The social payoff of the new knowledge would be new technology, then new industries and new jobs. Compton got nowhere with the administration, partly because he was an anti-New Dealer, partly because the government was unwilling to grant scientists the autonomy that they claimed, and partly because his program represented a trickle-down approach to economic recovery.
—Daniel J. Kevles, New Republic, 30 Sept. 2002
Usually, Americans think of freedom as a condition of personal autonomy, independence from the will of others. This way of thinking reflects just the kind of distinction—between oneself and the rest of the group of which one is a part—that Dewey considered false.
—Louis Menand, The Metaphysical Club, 2001
a teacher who encourages individual autonomy
The territory has been granted autonomy.
Recent Examples on the Web
To regain control: Craving more agency, employees seek jobs that offer flexibility, predictability or autonomy.
—Morgan Smith, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
This ideological shift raises concerns about the erosion of autonomy and control for creators, with AI systems prioritizing scalability and profit over artistic integrity.
—Virginie Berger, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Airlines are required to provide people with assistance that does not put them at higher risk of injury, for example, during transfers between their wheelchair and the plane, and in a manner that respects their independence, autonomy and privacy.
—Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
This Piano Lesson foregrounds Berniece’s connection to the titular instrument, and gives her shades that other characters lack, particularly around her search for romantic autonomy.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for autonomy 
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Morgan Smith, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
This ideological shift raises concerns about the erosion of autonomy and control for creators, with AI systems prioritizing scalability and profit over artistic integrity.
—Virginie Berger, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Airlines are required to provide people with assistance that does not put them at higher risk of injury, for example, during transfers between their wheelchair and the plane, and in a manner that respects their independence, autonomy and privacy.
—Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
This Piano Lesson foregrounds Berniece’s connection to the titular instrument, and gives her shades that other characters lack, particularly around her search for romantic autonomy.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for autonomy
Dictionary Entries Near autonomy
Cite this Entry
“Autonomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autonomy. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
autonomy
noun
au·ton·o·my
-mē
plural autonomies
1
: the quality or state of being independent, free, and self-directing
2
: independence from the organism as a whole in the capacity of a part for growth, reactivity, or responsiveness
Legal Definition
autonomy
noun
au·ton·o·my
ȯ-ˈtä-nə-mē
: the quality or state of being self-governing
especially
: the right of self-government
autonomously
adverb
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