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
Even for a show as sci-fi as Severance, the issue of bodily autonomy will resonate.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 7 Feb. 2025
The move symbolized the country’s zero-tolerance approach to Kurdish autonomy.
—Sefa Secen & Serhun Al / Made By History, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025
The entire show touches on the idea of bodily autonomy, but Mark and Helly/Helena becoming intimate really brings that to the forefront.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 7 Feb. 2025
Last week, Eversource and several other utilities sued PURA, contending the chairwoman has too much autonomy over cases.
—John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for autonomy 
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Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 7 Feb. 2025
The move symbolized the country’s zero-tolerance approach to Kurdish autonomy.
—Sefa Secen & Serhun Al / Made By History, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025
The entire show touches on the idea of bodily autonomy, but Mark and Helly/Helena becoming intimate really brings that to the forefront.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 7 Feb. 2025
Last week, Eversource and several other utilities sued PURA, contending the chairwoman has too much autonomy over cases.
—John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2025
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 16 Feb. 2025.
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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