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

• 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

One of its most disastrous legacies of the Partition is the dispute over the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, which erupted into a war between India and Pakistan soon after independence and left Kashmir divided between the two countries after a ceasefire. —Sam Dalrymple, Time, 14 July 2025

When Estonia regained its independence in 1991, the prison and the quarry were abandoned. —Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 13 July 2025

Written and directed by Embeth Davidtz based on Alexandra Fuller’s memoir of her childhood on a family farm in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) at the end of the Zimbabwean War for independence in 1980. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 13 July 2025

Wednesday, July 23 Patriotic music: Musician Vincent Young will perform music celebrating 250 years of American independence at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 23. —Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 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