INDEPENDENCE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

independence

noun

ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s

Definition of independence

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

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 Charlie finds new independence at school in his absence, and the long-distance relationship begins to weigh on them. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026 The Star-Telegram retains independence in all coverage decisions. — Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026 The upcoming event will celebrate the nation's independence and motorsports industry, according to the IndyCar series. — Catherine Bouvet, ABC News, 13 July 2026 Predecessors both Republican and Democrat tended to respect the independence of regulators in the antitrust division of the Justice Department and the Federal Communications Commission. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for independence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for independence

Noun

Unlike physical aggression, coercive control operates through monitoring, intimidation, isolation, guilt and restrictions on a partner’s autonomy.

— Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026
Today, Tibet retains autonomy but remains under political, military, and administrative control from China.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026

Definition of autonomy

Noun

By using Beyon’s local data center infrastructure, its customers will be able to access Oracle’s cloud services without any data leaving the country and maintaining data sovereignty.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 14 July 2026
The State Department has launched a campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court over what Secretary of State Marco Rubio called a threat to American sovereignty.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 14 July 2026

Definition of sovereignty

Noun

The teachers who know their students best are too often given the least freedom to respond to what those students actually need.

— Tiffany Thenor, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
The must-read (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times) Times staff writer Deborah Vankin recently learned via a bow and arrow the importance and freedom that can come with literally letting go.

— Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of freedom

Noun

Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.

— Barton Swaim, WSJ, 27 Dec. 2021
His seemingly daily attacks on freedom of speech, the independency of the judiciary, the right to vote and other pillars of our constitutional system are bolstered by an intensely loyal fan base.

— Christopher Ingraham, Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2020

Definition of independency

Noun

This would combine additional transitional housing with best practices in drug & mental health treatment coupled with programs to foster self-sufficiency and gainful employment.

— Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
The self-sufficiency push comes as Nvidia’s market share in China has eroded owing to US export controls, with Huawei set to capture roughly 50% this year.

— Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of self-sufficiency

Noun

At camp, children often learn about patriotism, discipline, cooperation, leadership and self-reliance.

— Seth T. Kannarr, Fortune, 13 July 2026
Our founding principles, articulated in 1776, emphasized self-reliance, resolve in the face of adversity, and the courage to compete on terms of one’s own choosing.

— Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2026

Definition of self-reliance

Browse Nearby Words

indentures

independence

independences

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“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of independence

noun

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