Synonyms for

Autonomous

Verb / ɔ:ˈtɑ:nʌmʌs / Another word for autonomous — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Autonomous means having the freedom to govern oneself or control one's own actions.

Synonyms & similar words

independent selfdirected selfgoverning selfreliant sovereign self-governing independent self-ruling self-determining self-governed self-regulating self-ruling self-sufficient self-supporting self-contained self-directed self-determining self-governed self-ruling self-supporting sovereign uncontrolled unregimented unrestricted autarkic

Synonyms by register

Formal

independent self-governing sovereign uncontrolled

Informal

self-reliant free-standing off-the-cuff

Literary

unfettered self-willed

Antonyms

dependent controlled subordinate guided managed restricted supervised

Common collocations

  • autonomous system
  • autonomous vehicle
  • autonomous robot
  • autonomous region
  • fully autonomous
  • largely autonomous
  • semi-autonomous

Word family

noun autonomy
adverb autonomously

Usage note

Often used in technical contexts like AI and robotics, but also applicable to political or personal independence. Be mindful of the degree of autonomy being described; 'fully autonomous' implies complete self-direction.

Example sentences

  1. The robot was programmed to be autonomous and do tasks on its own.
  2. The colony of ants worked in an autonomous way to build their nest.
  3. The country gained autonomous status and was able to make its own laws.
  4. The car was equipped with autonomous driving technology.
  5. The school district gave the school more autonomous control over its curriculum.

Quotes

  • The autonomous man is supreme among men.
  • Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does. It is up to you to give [life] a meaning. - Jean-Paul Sartre
  • The first step in a fascist movement is the combination under an energetic leader of a number of men who possess more than the average share of leisure, brutality, and stupidity. The next step is to fascinate fools and muzzle the intelligent, by emotional excitement on the one hand and terrorism on the other. - Bertrand Russell

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