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 But a pocket-size notebook at the Wellcome Collection, long claimed to have been bound in the skin of Crispus Attucks, a mixed-race Black and Native man recognized as the first person to die for American independence, is likely bound in camel, horse or goat skin, according to the museum. Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024 The story follows an ant’s quest for independence, brought to life through vibrant illustrations of Kelly Anne Dalton. Lilian Gonzalez, Billboard, 19 Apr. 2024 These days, more women than ever before are living alone, which builds economic independence and eliminates positions of unequal bargaining power within the household. TIME, 18 Apr. 2024 The stealth chain of command contradicted what TikTok’s executives had said about the company’s independence from ByteDance, Turner says. Alexandra Sternlicht, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024 To their credit, presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan didn’t interfere with the Fed’s independence, despite the difficult politics caused by tight money policies. Tom Saler, Journal Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2024 When a chance arose to join the Union in 1906, Arizonans turned it down; not because of a sense of independence or defiance. Kaely Monahan, The Arizona Republic, 10 Apr. 2024 Perun had no career ambitions in the Army, affording him a degree of independence. Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024 Presenting him with an honorary doctorate, Kratz praised Jenney’s independence, individuality, steadfast commitment to his vision, and ability to create his own luck and success. Freya Drohan, Vogue, 2 Apr. 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 25 Apr. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on independence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!