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
Fortunately, homeowners have a viable way to regain their financial independence by leveraging the roof over their heads.
—
Matt Richardson, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
Control of the institution has long been viewed as a key lever of political power, particularly in a country where the justice system has been repeatedly accused by critics and international observers of lacking independence.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
Ukraine's 34 years of independence have been punctuated by intense bursts of interference from Moscow, as the old imperial hegemon sought to re-establish its sphere of influence after the traumatic collapse of the Soviet Union.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
Like Fed officials who vote on interest-rate decisions, researchers at the 12 regional banks and Board of Governors go to great lengths to establish independence from outside political actors.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for independence
Matt Richardson, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
Control of the institution has long been viewed as a key lever of political power, particularly in a country where the justice system has been repeatedly accused by critics and international observers of lacking independence.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
Ukraine's 34 years of independence have been punctuated by intense bursts of interference from Moscow, as the old imperial hegemon sought to re-establish its sphere of influence after the traumatic collapse of the Soviet Union.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
Like Fed officials who vote on interest-rate decisions, researchers at the 12 regional banks and Board of Governors go to great lengths to establish independence from outside political actors.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for independence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independence
Noun
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Unlike Chapek, who alienated Disney’s creative divisions by having the media chiefs report to his handpicked ally, Kareem Daniel, there’s a sense that D’Amaro will approach the task with more delicacy, giving Walden a level of autonomy.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
25 Feb. 2026
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His work set a precedent for autonomy and creative control as hip-hop became a commercial juggernaut in the ’90s.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
25 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
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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
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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
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Behind the scenes, the property is engineered for durability and a level of self-reliance.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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