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 Such ample provisions give grass seeds a measure of independence, at least at first. Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026 Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Bryan P. Sears, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2026 As a Brit who moved to Canada, Alberta’s independence movement has been giving me a case of déjà vu. Thomas Seal, Bloomberg, 25 Mar. 2026 Whatever happened to the Catalan independence movement? Big Think, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for independence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independence
Noun
  • The prospect of autonomy remains a distant and fading dream.
    Big Think, Big Think, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Scale required sacrifice of autonomy.
    Kuo Zhang, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The event will highlight 19th-century historical figure Antonio Garra, who fought for the rights and sovereignty of Southern California and Northern Baja tribes.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The new carrier is not just a military platform but a symbol of national sovereignty and the ability to act independently on the global stage.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Wall Dancers traces how freedom and state control evolved online — a dynamic that may influence the artificial intelligence race.
    Timothy McLaughlin, Bloomberg, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Calibrating a balance of care and freedom for all constituents has been a work in progress for the Mayor.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 20 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
  • Since the revolution, the regime’s economic policy has focused on self-sufficiency while working to gain access to global markets.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Leaders see it as a community meant to provide an affordable, longterm place to live to help families reach self-sufficiency and stability.
    Lilly Kersh, Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Beijing’s decision to double down on self-reliance underscores the urgency of weaning itself off Western technology.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The latest signals from Beijing’s political gathering have reinforced the view that tech self-reliance and industrial upgrading will anchor economic growth in the years to come.
    Bloomberg News, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

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