AUTONOMOUS Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'autonomous' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of autonomous are free , independent , and sovereign . While all these words mean "not subject to the rule or control of another," autonomous stresses independence in matters pertaining to self-government. // in this denomination each congregation is regarded as autonomous

Q: When might 'free' be a better fit than 'autonomous'?

While the synonyms free and autonomous are close in meaning, free stresses the complete absence of external rule and the full right to make all of one's own decisions. // you're free to do as you like

Q: When is it sensible to use 'independent' instead of 'autonomous'?

The synonyms independent and autonomous are sometimes interchangeable, but independent implies a standing alone; applied to a state it implies lack of connection with any other having power to interfere with its citizens, laws, or policies. // the colony's struggle to become independent

Q: When would 'sovereign' be a good substitute for 'autonomous'?

The words sovereign and autonomous can be used in similar contexts, but sovereign stresses the absence of a superior power and implies supremacy within a thing's own domain or sphere. // separate and sovereign armed services

autonomous

adjective

ȯ-ˈtä-nə-məs

Definition of autonomous next

as in independent

not being under the rule or control of another Native American nations are regarded as autonomous in many respects and thus not subject to a number of state and local laws

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How does the adjective autonomous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of autonomous are free, independent, and sovereign. While all these words mean "not subject to the rule or control of another," autonomous stresses independence in matters pertaining to self-government.

in this denomination each congregation is regarded as autonomous

When might free be a better fit than autonomous?

While the synonyms free and autonomous are close in meaning, free stresses the complete absence of external rule and the full right to make all of one's own decisions.

you're free to do as you like

When is it sensible to use independent instead of autonomous?

The synonyms independent and autonomous are sometimes interchangeable, but independent implies a standing alone; applied to a state it implies lack of connection with any other having power to interfere with its citizens, laws, or policies.

the colony's struggle to become independent

When would sovereign be a good substitute for autonomous?

The words sovereign and autonomous can be used in similar contexts, but sovereign stresses the absence of a superior power and implies supremacy within a thing's own domain or sphere.

separate and sovereign armed services

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of autonomous Nvidia's interest in autonomous driving isn't exactly new. —

Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 12 Dec. 2024 The briefing comes as New Jersey is experiencing one of the more bizarre, widespread and extended bouts ever recorded of what appear to be unknown autonomous vehicles. —

Sophia Pargas, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024 Its recent campaign, AI 2030, asks world leaders to endorse AI safety commitments such as banning fully autonomous weapons of destruction. —

Sarah Emerson, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 The company's market value surged 38.1% to $1.1 trillion last month on reports that Donald Trump's transition team plans to relax federal regulations on self-driving cars, potentially simplifying the rollout of autonomous vehicles. —

Patturaja Murugaboopathy and Gaurav Dogra, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for autonomous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for autonomous

Adjective

In this case, Holmes Cay, an independent bottler renowned for sourcing terrific rums from around the world, got its hands on a single cask filled in 2003 by a rum blending company in the UK, containing leftover rums from 13 distilleries in seven different countries.

Tony Sachs, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
The independent retailer, which was started a decade ago by men’s marketing veteran Paul C. Witt, has two new locations — one of which marks its debut foray into womenswear — and a private label on the way.

Marissa Muller, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024