independence

noun

in·​de·​pen·​dence ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being independent

2

archaic : competence sense 2

Synonyms

• self-dependence
• self-reliance
• self-subsistence
• self-sufficiency
• self-support

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

Washington controversially backed Islamabad during the 1971 War of Bangladeshi independence, which oversaw what many analysts describe as a genocide against Bangladeshis. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2025

Real-Life Examples Of Evolving Goals A couple who planned to retire early shifts their focus to charitable work after achieving financial independence. —Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

That represented a break from Hassett’s prior comments in support of the central bank’s independence. —Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025

As with previous allocations, the latest funding will be placed in the Board’s Irrevocable Trust, a mechanism designed to protect the body’s operational independence. —Katie Paul and Echo Wang, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing independence

• declare (one's) independence
• linear independence
• war of independence

Rhymes for independence

• ascendance
• attendance
• dependance
• dependence
• transcendence
• interdependence
• superintendence
• tendance

Kids Definition

independence

noun

in·​de·​pen·​dence ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s 

: 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 

city in western Missouri east of Kansas City population 116,830