Definition of AUTONOMY (original) (raw)
1
: the quality or state of being self-governing
especially : the right of self-government
The territory was granted autonomy.
2
: self-directing freedom and especially moral independence
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.
Recent Examples on the Web At a separate hearing in the case on Friday, Bove complained that Smith – who was given greater autonomy in the classified documents case after being appointed special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland – was too independent from Biden's Justice Department. —Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 24 June 2024 The prospect of autonomy remains a distant and fading dream. —Big Think, 24 June 2024 But the women of Swimming Pretty wore these labels while simultaneously flipping them on their head, embodying strength, vigor, and autonomy. —Sophia Stewart, The Atlantic, 21 June 2024 As unfamiliar hairs start to sprout and body odor begins to blossom (signs of puberty, which has been starting younger and younger in recent decades, according to research), taking care of oneself may provide a sense of autonomy for preteens, explains Dr. Evans. —Dianna Mazzone Singh, Allure, 20 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for autonomy 
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 autonomía "self-governance, independence, licence," from autónomos "independent, autonomous" + -ia -y entry 2
First Known Use
circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of autonomy was circa 1623
Dictionary Entries Near autonomy
Cite this Entry
“Autonomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autonomy. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
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Last Updated: 1 Jul 2024 - Updated example sentences
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