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
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
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 stresses independence in matters pertaining to self-government.
in this denomination each congregation is regarded as autonomous
Example Sentences
Native American nations are regarded as autonomous in many respects and thus not subject to a number of state and local laws.
Recent Examples on the WebIt’s making and testing autonomous vehicles here, as well as performing safety tests for federal regulators and other organizations. Breana Noble, San Antonio Express-News, 29 Aug. 2022 For instance, precise and robust timekeeping will be the foundation for technologies like smart grids, smart cities, and connected autonomous vehicles of the future.WIRED, 27 Aug. 2022 Communication is fundamental for autonomous machines to cooperate. Shaoshan Liu, Forbes, 25 Aug. 2022 Through a partnership with Motional, Lyft introduced its first all-electric autonomous vehicles in Las Vegas this week. Matthew Humphries, PCMAG, 16 Aug. 2022 Musk has been touting self-driving cars as the next big thing for years, saying in 2015 that autonomous vehicles would be on the road within two years. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2022 Another change, more centered toward autonomous vehicles, involves non-pneumatic tires. Sean Mcdonnell, cleveland, 6 Aug. 2022 Artificial intelligence has a growing influence in areas from hiring decisions to how autonomous vehicles drive. Lindsay Ellis, WSJ, 4 Aug. 2022 Much of its testing, however, occurs in Arizona, which has permissive regulations regarding the use of autonomous vehicles on public roadways. Mike Freeman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Greek autonomos independent, from aut- + nomos law — more at nimble