Definition of independencenext
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

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 Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 18 Feb. 2026 The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Data Skrive, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026 Serbia still does not recognize the 2008 declaration of independence of Kosovo, and this has been a source of persistent tension in the volatile Balkan region. Zana Cimili, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026 The United States and most EU countries are among more than 100 nations that have recognized Kosovo's independence while Russia and China have backed Serbia's claim on the territory. ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for independence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independence
Noun
  • That impetus brought Lance Hammer back out of the woodwork, a gauntlet thrown to himself to think through problematic contradictions involving the quite different — and often sparring — human verticals of capability, autonomy, and decline.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Navigating such thorny topics as consent and autonomy in the throes of dementia, the film is relentless in its exploration of impossible-to-answer questions, and uses, as its vessel, three sensational performers who make its drama both luminous and entirely devastating.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Suggesting even nominal support for Israeli sovereignty over much of the Middle East is an unprecedented departure from American foreign policy.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
  • This unit will also enforce Florida’s existing foreign adversary laws — including restrictions on land ownership — and expand accountability to companies and individuals aligned with hostile regimes that threaten Floridians’ privacy, security and sovereignty.
    February 17, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • His detention on Thursday drew sharp condemnation from press freedom advocates, who described it as an attack on media independence and democratic norms.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The state’s Republican governor, Henry McMaster, and major GOP candidates to replace him have largely framed their responses to the measles outbreak around the concept of medical freedom, particularly when discussing vaccine mandates.
    Jennifer Berry Hawes, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 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
  • In a drive to move Germany toward economic self-sufficiency, Hitler had imposed draconian tariffs, refused to honor foreign-debt obligations, and sought to wean the nation off Norwegian whale-oil consumption.
    Timothy W. Ryback, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Here, China has a clear goal to boost self-sufficiency.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Using her magic broom, Kiki opens a flying courier service and begins to experience both the satisfaction and the difficulties of independence and self-reliance.
    Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Behind the scenes, the property is engineered for durability and a level of self-reliance.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 17 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

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