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
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
By granting autonomy and ownership over tasks, employees can better manage stress and enhance their sense of accomplishment and contentment.
—Wayne Yu, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Higher levels of autonomy bring the expectation of revenue streams with fatter profit margins, greater flexibility for drivers and safer transportation.
—Detroit News, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
In recent years, Saudi Arabia granted more rights to women, including lifting the driving ban, allowing greater autonomy through guardianship reforms, and expanding workforce participation, while also enabling women to attend public events such as sports and concerts.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Pisces Season Is Here and These 3 Zodiac Signs Are Forced to Confront Their Emotions
Aries (March 20-April 19)
March will test your autonomy and sense of direction like never before, Aries.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
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Wayne Yu, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Higher levels of autonomy bring the expectation of revenue streams with fatter profit margins, greater flexibility for drivers and safer transportation.
—Detroit News, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
In recent years, Saudi Arabia granted more rights to women, including lifting the driving ban, allowing greater autonomy through guardianship reforms, and expanding workforce participation, while also enabling women to attend public events such as sports and concerts.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Pisces Season Is Here and These 3 Zodiac Signs Are Forced to Confront Their Emotions
Aries (March 20-April 19)
March will test your autonomy and sense of direction like never before, Aries.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for autonomy
Cite this Entry
“Autonomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autonomy. Accessed 12 Mar. 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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