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.
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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
January 10, 2024 Taiwan will pick a new president this weekend – a choice centered on which candidate voters believe can best protect the island’s autonomy amid escalating pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its territory.
—Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Jan. 2024
Mobile Loaves and Fishes said more staff members had recently been hired to help new residents adjust, but Mr. Graham noted that there was a limit to what any housing provider could do without violating people’s privacy and autonomy.
—Lucy Tompkins Eli Durst, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2024
No one group is in control, the officials said, and each has a degree of autonomy over what attacks to carry out in their area and when, according to their capabilities and local agendas.
—Mustafa Salim, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2024
Opting for Botox and fillers is not just about aesthetics but a bold declaration of autonomy over my choices.
—Tira Urquhart, Essence, 20 Dec. 2023
One kind of thing has a certain autonomy, an aloofness; the other is instrumental, transactional.
—Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 11 Dec. 2023
The Village is just five blocks from school, and walkable to downtown Akron, so residents have autonomy (especially on their bikes).
—Amy Schiller, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2023
As a result, the United States hopes to draw India, a country that has traditionally eschewed formal alliances and prized its autonomy, into a closer alignment.
—Happymon Jacob, Foreign Affairs, 25 Dec. 2023
Mass incarceration is incompatible with reproductive justice because reproductive justice requires autonomy over our bodies.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2023
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Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Jan. 2024
Mobile Loaves and Fishes said more staff members had recently been hired to help new residents adjust, but Mr. Graham noted that there was a limit to what any housing provider could do without violating people’s privacy and autonomy.
—Lucy Tompkins Eli Durst, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2024
No one group is in control, the officials said, and each has a degree of autonomy over what attacks to carry out in their area and when, according to their capabilities and local agendas.
—Mustafa Salim, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2024
Opting for Botox and fillers is not just about aesthetics but a bold declaration of autonomy over my choices.
—Tira Urquhart, Essence, 20 Dec. 2023
One kind of thing has a certain autonomy, an aloofness; the other is instrumental, transactional.
—Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 11 Dec. 2023
The Village is just five blocks from school, and walkable to downtown Akron, so residents have autonomy (especially on their bikes).
—Amy Schiller, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2023
As a result, the United States hopes to draw India, a country that has traditionally eschewed formal alliances and prized its autonomy, into a closer alignment.
—Happymon Jacob, Foreign Affairs, 25 Dec. 2023
Mass incarceration is incompatible with reproductive justice because reproductive justice requires autonomy over our bodies.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'autonomy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from New Latin autonomia, borrowed from Greek autonomÃa "self-governance, independence, licence," from autónomos "independent, autonomous" + -ia -y entry 2
First Known Use
circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near autonomy
Cite this Entry
“Autonomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autonomy. Accessed 17 Jan. 2024.
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Kids Definition
autonomy
noun
au·ton·o·my
ȯ-ˈtän-ə-mē
plural autonomies
: the power or right of self-government
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
More from Merriam-Webster on autonomy
Nglish: Translation of autonomy for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of autonomy for Arabic Speakers
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