Synonyms of independent

independent

adjective

ˌin-də-ˈpen-dənt 

1

as in autonomous

able to take care of oneself or itself without outside help

an independent young man who moved out of his parents' house while still a college student

Synonyms & Similar Words

• autonomous
• powerful
• self-sufficient
• self-reliant
• self-dependent
• self-sustaining
• self-sustained
• free
• self-supported
• self-supporting
• strong
• self-subsistent
• self-subsisting
• self-determining
• resilient
• potent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependent
• inadequate
• insufficient
• incompetent
• reliant
• helpless
• weak
• impotent

2

as in sovereign

not being under the rule or control of another

finally they are an independent people, after centuries of domination by their more powerful neighbors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• autonomous
• sovereign
• separate
• democratic
• freestanding
• free
• liberated
• self-governing
• self-governed
• empowered
• self-ruling
• freed
• republican
• emancipated
• released
• freeborn
• unsupervised
• delivered
• redeemed
• manumitted
• unconquered
• unruled
• enfranchised

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependent
• subject
• nonautonomous
• unfree
• captive
• bound
• subdued
• subjugated
• enslaved
• conquered
• fettered
• subordinate
• non-self-governing
• subservient
• inferior

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective independent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of independent are autonomous, free, and sovereign. While all these words mean "not subject to the rule or control of another," independent implies a standing alone; applied to a state it implies lack of connection with any other having power to interfere with its citizens, laws, or policies.

the colony's struggle to become independent

Where would autonomous be a reasonable alternative to independent?

Although the words autonomous and independent have much in common, autonomous stresses independence in matters pertaining to self-government.

in this denomination each congregation is regarded as autonomous

When can free be used instead of independent?

While in some cases nearly identical to independent, free stresses the complete absence of external rule and the full right to make all of one's own decisions.

you're free to do as you like

When could sovereign be used to replace independent?

The synonyms sovereign and independent are sometimes interchangeable, but sovereign stresses the absence of a superior power and implies supremacy within a thing's own domain or sphere.

separate and sovereign armed services

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of independent

About Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont The Southern Piedmont nonprofit opened in 1965 as an independent Goodwill affiliate agency. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

This, in turn, slashed creator revenues and sent independent creators—the emotional lifeblood of the platform—into uproar. — Claire Stapleton, New Yorker, 18 July 2026

Apollo also commissioned an independent investigation into Black’s ties to Epstein, which did not reveal any impropriety. — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the unusual home has become one of Fairhope’s most beloved landmarks and a symbol of the town’s independent spirit. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026