Meaning & use

autonomy

noun·Academic

The right or condition of self-government or independent decision-making, free from outside control.

See it in a sentence

The new manager gave the team more autonomy over their own schedules.

The region was granted autonomy to set its own tax policies.

A note on using this word

Autonomy applies to both individuals, as in 'personal autonomy,' and larger entities like regions or institutions, emphasizing freedom to decide rather than mere physical separation.

Words with a similar meaning

independenceself-governanceself-determination

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

dependencesubjugation

Make it your own

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