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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of autonomy
According to the artist, Baartman had no autonomy even in death.
—
Essence, 25 Mar. 2025
Hong Kong’s autonomy in free speech and civil society has already been eroded after the shutdown of local media outlets; the arrest of Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong newspaper publisher; and the arrests and trials of dozens of pro-democracy leaders.
—Alexandra Stevenson, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2025
Demand a framework that respects local control and family autonomy, not one dictating lessons from pre-K onward.
—Justin Kuk, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2025
Yet, on some base levels, there seems to be an industry-wide consensus on the fact that unlike generative AI — which focuses on generating texts, images, videos, and audios at scale — AI agents are designed to take action, making decisions and executing tasks with increasing levels of autonomy.
—Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Essence, 25 Mar. 2025
Hong Kong’s autonomy in free speech and civil society has already been eroded after the shutdown of local media outlets; the arrest of Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong newspaper publisher; and the arrests and trials of dozens of pro-democracy leaders.
—Alexandra Stevenson, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2025
Demand a framework that respects local control and family autonomy, not one dictating lessons from pre-K onward.
—Justin Kuk, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2025
Yet, on some base levels, there seems to be an industry-wide consensus on the fact that unlike generative AI — which focuses on generating texts, images, videos, and audios at scale — AI agents are designed to take action, making decisions and executing tasks with increasing levels of autonomy.
—Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
Noun
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With a user-friendly interface and rich features, Zoom has been the top choice for video calls.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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As manufacturers explore these new fill material options, Lenzing’s R&D and technical teams are on hand to help guide them through the right fiber choices and application suggestions.—
SJ Studio,
Sourcing Journal,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Be honest about strategic intent: If the acquisition will eventually be fully integrated, communicate this from the beginning rather than creating false expectations of independence.—
Jennifer J. Fondrevay,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
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The terminations marked an escalation of norm-shattering moves that have embroiled the Justice Department in turmoil and have raised alarm over a disregard for civil service protections for career lawyers and the erosion of the agency’s independence from the White House.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This would apply to all mineral resources, including oil and gas, and major energy assets which Ukrainian officials fear would undermine their nation's sovereignty.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2025
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Waterways Native nations also exercise sovereignty over waterways.—
Alyssa Kreikemeier,
The Conversation,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The high school student, who was gearing up to get her driver’s license, was gushing about getting her freedom.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
Fox News,
22 Mar. 2025
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Innovation often happens when people have the freedom to challenge ideas and create with confidence.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
21 Mar. 2025
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.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2022
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Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.—
Barton Swaim,
WSJ,
27 Dec. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Autonomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/autonomy. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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