Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective independent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of independent are autonomous, free, and sovereign. While all these words mean "not subject to the rule or control of another," 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

Where would autonomous be a reasonable alternative to independent?

Although the words autonomous and independent have much in common, autonomous stresses independence in matters pertaining to self-government.

in this denomination each congregation is regarded as autonomous

When can free be used instead of independent?

While in some cases nearly identical to independent, 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

When could sovereign be used to replace independent?

The synonyms sovereign and independent are sometimes interchangeable, but sovereign stresses the absence of a superior power and implies supremacy within a thing's own domain or sphere.

separate and sovereign armed services

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 independent The independent studio is likely banking on Chalamet’s star power and a holiday release date to deliver the kind of box office results that show its newfound investment in blockbuster filmmaking is succeeding. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2025 Heinzinger acknowledged that quality journalism may come from independent journalists rather than traditional newsrooms. Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025 For those who are ready to trade in their simple drip coffee set up for something a bit more advanced, Seattle Coffee Gear is a great independent retailer for coffee-brewing appliances and accessories. Melissa Knific, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025 Laughter in Summer will be released on February 6 via the independent label Transgressive Records. James Factora, Them., 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for independent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independent
Adjective
  • This demonstration highlights LimX Dynamics’ progress in embodied intelligence and autonomous motion while giving Oli a place in the list of highly agile and perceptive humanoid robots to look out for in the future.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025
  • And the company is outfitting these facilities with high-tech equipment such as autonomous forklifts, to the tune of $200 million.
    Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Its dual-tank water system keeps clean and dirty water separate, while the multi-surface brush roll handles sealed hard floors and rugs.
    Caitlyn Martyn may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The study, conducted by a research team in Denmark, included an analysis of 19 separate clinical trials that evaluated tramadol versus a placebo in treating various types of chronic pain.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • In many respects, CDMS users receive the powerful anti-ship capabilities of a surface warfare vessel worth many hundreds of millions of dollars for just a tiny fraction of that price.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And, unlike sovereign assets, bitcoin carries no risk of default and no exposure to a single government’s fiscal or political decisions.
    Luke Xie, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Following recent announcements by Britain, France and others, around 150 United Nations member countries officially acknowledge the state of Palestine, reflecting a near-global consensus that two sovereign nations represent the only viable path to peace.
    Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • He’s lived in self-sufficient solitude in the woods of Northern England for decades, tending to his psychic wounds.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2025
  • These subsidies were cunning, part of a decades-long effort to keep alive the myths that offshore wind energy is nearly self-sufficient and generates increasingly inexpensive electricity.
    Craig Rucker, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, Battilana emphasizes that learning your way around the kitchen from a young age can help a person feel more self-reliant.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Sigma: This term refers to an independent or self-reliant person who operates outside traditional social hierarchies, like a lone wolf.
    Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The film’s plot is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy that Indians should be self-dependent to achieve their goals.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Mar. 2023
Adjective
  • For this, researchers from China have developed various next-generation triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which offer a self-sustaining power solution for marine regions.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Leading to a self-sustaining economic loop where revenue generated from global-facing media products is reinvested directly into local wages, taxes, and services, fostering a stable foundation for multi-generational upward mobility.
    Stephanie Tharpe, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Independent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independent. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on independent

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!