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!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sovereignty
the state of being free from the control or power of another
college freshmen often revel in their newfound independence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
This empowering parenting practice may also help teens develop autonomy and independence.
—
Alvin Thomas, The Conversation, 5 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
This demographic reality contrasts sharply with the financial independence typically required for MVNO success.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
In a luxury industry almost entirely controlled by gargantuan conglomerates like LVMH and Kering, Armani was a rare holdout, managing to retain its independence a private company.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for independence
Alvin Thomas, The Conversation, 5 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
This demographic reality contrasts sharply with the financial independence typically required for MVNO success.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
In a luxury industry almost entirely controlled by gargantuan conglomerates like LVMH and Kering, Armani was a rare holdout, managing to retain its independence a private company.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for independence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independence
Noun
-
For independent, rural hospitals, the networks are an alternative to shutting down or reducing services, or to giving up local autonomy and joining a large hospital system.—
Arielle Zionts,
NPR,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Witches were no longer solely perceived as agents of Satan, but cool girls and women who had agency and autonomy over their lives.—
Taylor Crumpton,
Time,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Backing down would undermine his narrative of defending national sovereignty and cost him political capital, particularly within the progressive and nationalist constituencies that form his core base.—
HUSSEIN KALOUT,
Foreign Affairs,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Citizens in Kyiv and Lviv gathered to pay tribute to Parubiy, honoring his dedication to Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The true American idea has always been fueled by hope, by optimism, by inclusion, by freedom.—
John Hope Bryant,
Time,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The Texas measles outbreak served as a warning shot in the new vaccine wars, pitting different parts of the country against each other, with a focus on maximizing individual freedoms versus the common good.—
Judy Stone,
Forbes.com,
6 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
-
With Mercury retrograde in your sign starting on the 15th, old fears around your self-sufficiency might be resurfacing.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Who knew self-sufficiency could feel this good—and smell mostly okay.—
Kimberley Mok,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
If anything, your self-reliance might be keeping you from the perfect career opportunity.—
Colleen Batchelder,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
-
The incident highlights the challenges of policing and ensuring safety in a temporary city of more than 70,000 people built in the isolation of Nevada's Black Rock Desert, raising questions about how the festival can balance its ethos of self-reliance with the realities of crime and public safety.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share