1
as in autonomy
the ability to care for one's self
children are supposed to achieve some measure of independence by the time they are 18—so it's time for that 30-year-old to move out!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sovereignty
the state of being free from the control or power of another
college freshmen often revel in their newfound independence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of independence
And the award gave me independence.
—
Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
Still, the Brit starts asserting her independence by spending more time away from controlling Rose and even flying to Athens to see her estranged father Christos (Vangelis Mourikis), who encourages her to sniff around Rose’s troubled family history in Ireland.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.
—Mark Schindler, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
Such contests have always been settled privately among senators, out of shared pride in the institution’s independence, but Scott seemed to enlist MAGA celebrities to undermine Thune.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for independence
Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
Still, the Brit starts asserting her independence by spending more time away from controlling Rose and even flying to Athens to see her estranged father Christos (Vangelis Mourikis), who encourages her to sniff around Rose’s troubled family history in Ireland.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.
—Mark Schindler, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
Such contests have always been settled privately among senators, out of shared pride in the institution’s independence, but Scott seemed to enlist MAGA celebrities to undermine Thune.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for independence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independence
Noun
-
Their expertise and training usually have their roots in Western, individualistic contexts, steeping them in ideals such as autonomy, empowerment, egalitarianism, and authenticity.—
David Livermore,
Harvard Business Review,
9 Apr. 2025
-
These figures — who often come from photographs Sherald has taken or appropriated — look back at us, claiming our attention and their own autonomy.—
Jerry Saltz,
Vulture,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea and has accused the Philippines—a U.S. treaty ally—of acting as a proxy in American efforts to contain its influence.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
-
They were met by thousands of U.S. protesters, and a symbolic call for sovereignty turned into a bloody clash, sparking yearslong discussions about how Panama could take over the canal.—
Whitney Eulich,
Christian Science Monitor,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In question was whether Bob Jones' discriminatory policy was protected by its right to religious freedom, because the school claimed the Bible prohibited race-mixing.—
Jonaki Mehta,
NPR,
18 Apr. 2025
-
According to legend, when the Spanish invaded, some Muisca chose to leap from the waterfall rather than surrender, believing they would be transformed into condors, soaring to freedom.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This visit was very important signal for our partners that Kyiv, much more safety right now, and also very important signal that Great Britain stay together with Ukraine, support Ukraine -- support our country in the fight for our freedom, for our independency.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2022
-
Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.—
Barton Swaim,
WSJ,
27 Dec. 2021
Noun
-
China has been doubling down on policies to strengthen its self-sufficiency since the first trade war in 2018.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Few economic philosophies have shaped America’s prosperity as profoundly as Henry Clay’s American System — a blueprint for national strength and self-sufficiency.—
Tim Overton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
President Trump wants peace, but also wants fair trade and more self-reliance for the American economy.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Apr. 2025
-
In recent months Daum has spoken on her podcast and written in the New York Times about how the fire has utterly changed her life: A lifelong commitment to self-reliance, inherited from her parents, has given way to a new understanding of the relationship between help and love.—
Charles Arrowsmith,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share