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
But as Carlin points out in his book, band members never sacrificed their creative autonomy for profit, never conceded quality control to move units.
—Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Along the campaign trail, Harris has invited a coterie of celebrity guests to speak and perform at her rallies including Beyoncé and actress and singer Kelly Rowland, who took the stage during a Houston rally to advocate for female autonomy.
—Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024
Affordable models plus push to autonomy A refreshed Model Y would join future affordable models from Tesla in 2025 — the latter mentioned by Tesla CEO Elon Musk in the third quarter earnings conference call.
—Brooke Crothers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
In real life, our right to bodily autonomy is at risk.
—Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for autonomy 
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.
Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Along the campaign trail, Harris has invited a coterie of celebrity guests to speak and perform at her rallies including Beyoncé and actress and singer Kelly Rowland, who took the stage during a Houston rally to advocate for female autonomy.
—Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024
Affordable models plus push to autonomy A refreshed Model Y would join future affordable models from Tesla in 2025 — the latter mentioned by Tesla CEO Elon Musk in the third quarter earnings conference call.
—Brooke Crothers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
In real life, our right to bodily autonomy is at risk.
—Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 1 Nov. 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 24 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share