Synonyms of independence

independence

noun

ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s 

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

• autonomy
• freedom
• self-sufficiency
• self-reliance
• self-support
• strength
• self-dependence
• resilience
• self-subsistence
• self-determination
• power
• potency

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependence
• reliance
• weakness
• helplessness
• inadequacy
• impotence
• impotency

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

• autonomy
• sovereignty
• freedom
• independency
• liberty
• liberation
• emancipation
• self-determination
• self-governance
• self-government
• manumission
• enfranchisement
• release

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependence
• subjection
• unfreedom
• heteronomy
• subjugation
• imprisonment
• captivity
• enslavement
• incarceration
• internment
• enchainment
• immurement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of independence

Estonia’s capital is also the center of one of Europe’s most digitally advanced societies, shaped by a thriving startup technology sector and an economy transformed since the country regained independence. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

And that is sticking with us generation after generation, 50 years after our independence [in 1975 from Portuguese colonial rule]. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026

In his view, stores needed far more independence to decide what inventory to carry and how to display it. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026

Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, who had severed ties with Israel, was a supporter of the Palestinian independence cause. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026