independence

noun

ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s How to pronounce independence (audio)
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!

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2
as in sovereignty
the state of being free from the control or power of another college freshmen often revel in their newfound independence

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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 The second-generation terminal retains its compact design but adds considerably more independence from external power sources. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2026 That includes a 1998-2000 war fought five years after Eritrea secured its independence, taking with it strategic Red Sea access that the world's largest landlocked nation seeks to reclaim to this day. — Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026 Investors will be closely watching the investigation, and its emphasis on independence, as the process unfolds, according to Brayden King, a professor of management and organizations at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. — Laya Neelakandan,dan Mangan, CNBC, 9 Nov. 2026 On Sunday, November 1, Charles stepped out at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium to celebrate Antigua and Barbuda’s 45th anniversary of independence. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 9 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for independence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independence
  1. autonomy
  2. sovereignty
  3. freedom
  4. independency
  5. self-sufficiency
  6. self-reliance
Noun
  • The robot’s initial deployment model combines human supervision with progressive automation rather than requiring complete autonomy before entering a factory.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2026
  • One misconception about enterprise AI is that autonomy reduces people’s importance.
    — Kumar Chivukula, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of autonomy
Noun
  • When the standards are still forming, every architecture decision is a sovereignty decision, whether a team recognizes it or not.
    — Antoni Kozelski, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • These concerns are bringing AI sovereignty into sharper focus.
    — Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of sovereignty
Noun
  • Kwon adds that webcomic and webnovel creators bring valuable creative freedom because they are not constrained by the conventions of TV storytelling.
    — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026
  • With Helen, whom Okonedo imbues with a curious, charming sensitivity, there’s a freedom for Minnie to step outside of her prescribed zone.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 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
  • Despite China’s efforts to boost semiconductor self-sufficiency, domestic tech firms’ immense demand for compute has led to a shortage, prompting them to ramp up imports.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The various reasons why a woman may want to learn how to shoot a gun and harvest her own meat vary person-to-person, of course, with self-sufficiency and empowerment among them.
    — Heide Brandes, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of self-sufficiency
Noun
  • Additionally, much of China’s industrial policy aims to build self-reliance, which, by definition, focuses on duplicative investments that buttress domestic industrial prowess without necessarily adding efficiency.
    — Oliver Melton, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The festival emphasizes communal effort, self-reliance and self-expression, according to the organization.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of self-reliance

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indentures
independence
independences
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Cite this Entry

“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on independence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about independence

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