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 of independence

• autonomy
• freedom
• self-sufficiency
• self-reliance

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

Perhaps in response to some of this criticism, Hassett was more firm on the question of Fed independence in an interview with CBS News this past weekend. —Steve Liesman,john Melloy, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2025

But the vice president doesn’t get to have much independence from his boss. —Ben Smith, semafor.com, 15 Dec. 2025

Meanwhile, the Belter residents of strategically important dwarf planet Ceres — and their political representation at the militant OPA (Outer Planets Alliance) — are angling for independence from Earth and Mars. —Richard Edwards, Space.com, 14 Dec. 2025

In November, al-Sharaa became the first Syrian president to visit Washington since the country’s independence in 1946. —Abby Sewell, Fortune, 14 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

independ(ent) entry 1 + -ence

Note: Compare slightly earlier dates for Middle French independance, Italian independenza.

First Known Use

1606, 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