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
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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
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Recent Examples of independence
Classifying a role at the highest wage level without genuinely demanding senior‑level independence or leadership may draw scrutiny.
—
Sam Stevenson, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
But Mary’s journey takes her far beyond that familiar estate — to the soirées of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District, all in search of independence, self-love and reinvention.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
With the world's eighth largest economy and a history of fights for independence, the Lone Star State and former Republic of Texas has a track record of staring down the federal government.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence.
—Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for independence
Sam Stevenson, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
But Mary’s journey takes her far beyond that familiar estate — to the soirées of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District, all in search of independence, self-love and reinvention.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
With the world's eighth largest economy and a history of fights for independence, the Lone Star State and former Republic of Texas has a track record of staring down the federal government.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence.
—Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for independence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independence
Noun
-
As Fortune reported in January, many workers whose productivity has genuinely improved with AI still describe a quiet sense of loss—of craft, of autonomy, of the slower rhythms that once defined skilled work.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Too, though the Basque Country is today is fully integrated into Spain, while retaining a great deal of autonomy, as well as its unique language and culture, the region’s relationship with the Iberian nation is shadowed by its history as the home of terrorist organization ETA.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Tehran rejected the list and presented a five-point proposal that included reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the waterway.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Iran rejected the offer and presented its own five-point proposal that included reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the waterway.—
Farnoush Amiri,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
As gangs continue to expand and consolidate territorial control, journalists remain in growing danger, according to the commission and other press freedom groups.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
-
That sense of freedom—of the gaze, of emotion, and of expression—is part of what made Farrokhzad the Iranian New Wave’s confrontational exemplar.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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
-
Those participating are required to meet with a case manager who helps make plans for the future, and move individuals into a state of self-sufficiency.—
Reyna Huff,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
But now, the CRFB is proposing a fix that promises significant progress toward putting the program on a path to self-sufficiency.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Your Next Move Charlotte’s active community already has the discipline, self-reliance, and love of exploration that solo travel demands.—
Lauren Schuster,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The family’s thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2020 wasn’t too big of a change for the kids, who were already used to homeschooling and self-reliance.—
David Gleisner,
Outside,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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