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 The issue — and Schwartz’s autonomy if confirmed — is certain to come up in that committee’s hearing Wednesday, since that panel holds the votes to confirm health care nominees like the CDC director. —
Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026 In today’s game, many in-game decisions aren’t even dictated by the manager, though it’s generally believed that Mendoza has a fair amount of autonomy in the dugout. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2026 Commercial manufacturing, precision guidance and advances in artificial intelligence and autonomy have democratized the ability of militaries and militant groups to accurately strike their adversaries. —Lauren Kahn, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2026 The new department must be spearheaded by leadership who have autonomy, are collaborative and possess a bold vision for making the agency the best in the country. —Nick Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026 In today’s game, many in-game decisions aren’t even dictated by the manager, though it’s generally believed that Mendoza has a fair amount of autonomy in the dugout. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2026 Commercial manufacturing, precision guidance and advances in artificial intelligence and autonomy have democratized the ability of militaries and militant groups to accurately strike their adversaries. —Lauren Kahn, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2026 The new department must be spearheaded by leadership who have autonomy, are collaborative and possess a bold vision for making the agency the best in the country. —Nick Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomy
Noun
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Gonzalez, however, could leave if Courtois and Andrii Lunin, Real Madrid’s second-choice goalkeeper, stay at the club, possibly opening the door for Navarro to push on.— Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
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This baked pasta recipe is a great choice for a busy weeknight.— Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2026
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While none of those migrants are being held at Bata, the visit put the spotlight on Equatorial Guinea’s overall human rights record and its judiciary, which rights campaigners have criticized for its lack of independence, arbitrary detentions and other abuses.— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
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And then the other aspect of it is journalistic independence.— Michael Schneider, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Dispensaries on tribal land were the first to open because of their sovereignty and ability to make their own rules.— Frankie McLister, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
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When the deal to cede the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, which claims sovereignty over the Indian Ocean territory, was first announced it was fully supported by the US.— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Luke Kennard, who last month was competing for additional bench minutes as a sharp-shooting specialist, recognized the proverbial freedom as well.— Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
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That balance between structure and freedom is what allows Larter to fully inhabit Angela.— Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
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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.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/autonomy. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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