independence

noun

in·​de·​pen·​dence ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s How to pronounce independence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being independent
2
archaic : competence sense 2

Examples of independence in a Sentence

She asserted her independence from her parents by getting her own apartment. He has shown a fierce independence of spirit. A month after independence, elections were held.
Recent Examples on the Web The restaurateur was born in Spain and moved out of his parents’ home at 15, funding his independence with hospitality work. Frances Vinall, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 Deep brain stimulation helps stroke survivor regain independence The team used their maps to adjust deep brain stimulators for three patients, including Hum. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 These liabilities, lawmakers said, outweighed Mr. Zucker’s editorial track record at CNN, as well as the investor group’s pledge to install provisions to safeguard the paper’s independence. Mark Landler, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Ronald Reagan, who helped millions of us to win back our freedom and independence, must be turning in his grave today. Foreign Affairs, 12 Mar. 2024 Juxtaposing the story of the murder of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba with a musical tour of jazzman Louis Armstrong and with the expansion of the United Nations after the independence of many African countries in the 1960s might be tall order. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024 Poor Things was hailed by some as a feminist film about a woman learning about and embracing her independence, particularly her sexuality. Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 The caseworker sent her to Dress for Success Palm Beaches, a nonprofit which empowers women to achieve economic independence by dressing them for job interviews, and offering career coaching and mentoring, all for free. Linda Marx, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 That's right: the Buckeye State was officially granted statehood on March 1, 1803 — 27 years after the United States declared independence from Britain and 16 years after Delaware became the first U.S. state. Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'independence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of independence was in 1640

Dictionary Entries Near independence

independable

independence

Independence

Cite this Entry

“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/independence. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

independence

noun
in·​de·​pen·​dence ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s How to pronounce independence (audio)
: the quality or state of being independent : freedom from outside control or support

Geographical Definition

Independence

geographical name

In·​de·​pen·​dence ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s How to pronounce Independence (audio)
city in western Missouri east of Kansas City population 116,830

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