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!

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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 The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Data Skrive, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025 Throughout the decades, Timberland yellow boots have served as a symbol of independence, resilience, and reinvention. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 11 Sep. 2025 While this study tested younger adults, the method could help older adults maintain leg strength and reduce their risk of falling, which would foster independence. Paul McClure 11, New Atlas, 11 Sep. 2025 Mayor Bowser is in an impossible situation because of DC’s lack of independence and being beholden to the federal government. David Weigel, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for independence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independence
Noun
  • The English song is inspired by ‘90s boom bap hip-hop, exuding the singer’s self-assurance, autonomy, and fearless nature.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • From Kerouac’s On the Road to Ridley Scott’s Thelma and Louise, the car has been our cultural shorthand for autonomy and escape.
    Henrietta Moore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Peace cannot be achieved by ceding sovereignty.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025
  • As with much of the South China Sea, Beijing asserts sovereignty over wide swaths of territory that overlap with claims by other governments—including the Philippines.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Critics and rights groups argued that both the ban and the bill function as tools for censorship, threatening freedom of expression, press freedom and fundamental rights.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
  • There’s a certain freedom not having social media available from your app launcher, knowing you won’t get disturbed on this device, but are still able to sit back with a good book, some light jazz, and… not much else.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 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
  • Instead of chasing personal brand deals or viral fame, these creators are sharing practical skills, rallying volunteers, and spreading the message of self-sufficiency and mutual support.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • For the Dedinis, the practice of frog gigging is also a step toward self-sufficiency.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Radical self-reliance is a key tenet of Burning Man.
    Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Over the years Philippine counter-trafficking projects have found some ways to increase financial self-reliance, for instance by starting fair trade farming projects.
    Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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