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
Relevance
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
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
Residents in Venezuela's capital rush to evacuate Many Venezuelans were at home during a public holiday marking an 1821 military victory that helped secure the country's independence from Spain when the two earthquakes hit.
—
Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 24 June 2026
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.
—Data Skrive, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Today, financial independence is often about knowledge—and career opportunity—as a precursor to power.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 24 June 2026
Many historians regard it as evidence of tensions within a rapidly expanding colonial society rather than as an early movement for democratic independence.
—Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for independence
Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 24 June 2026
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.
—Data Skrive, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Today, financial independence is often about knowledge—and career opportunity—as a precursor to power.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 24 June 2026
Many historians regard it as evidence of tensions within a rapidly expanding colonial society rather than as an early movement for democratic independence.
—Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for independence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independence
Noun
-
The First Amendment prohibits such an assault on Gateway's religious autonomy and freedom.—
Giles Hudson,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
-
Any other solution, even one motivated by a desire to protect your guests from harm, cannot avoid also looking like an intrusion into personal autonomy and a negative judgment on character.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
24 June 2026
Noun
-
The agreement calls for a halt to military operations in Lebanon and for its sovereignty to be respected.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 June 2026
-
Losing, Jose said, would be a devastating blow, not only to the Tohono O’odham, but to all future claims of Indian sovereignty.—
Geraldo L. Cadava,
The Atlantic,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
Their legal battle for freedom and the resulting Supreme Court decision eventually ignited the Civil War.—
Reg Chapman,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
-
The implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation was limited in areas still under Confederate control, delaying freedom for many, particularly in Texas.—
Natassia Paloma,
USA Today,
19 June 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
-
The myth of self-sufficiency fosters micromanagement, while the toxic invisibility of solo success drives relentless overwork.—
Luciana Paulise,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
The surge in popularity is driven for a desire for self-sufficiency, supplemental income, and access to fresh food, according to the home garden magazine.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
The strong push towards self-reliance and controlling technical standards stemmed from lessons learned from the US-China trade war.—
Marcus Lim,
Variety,
15 June 2026
-
When the family moved from Ohio after his freshman year, Klugo’s self-reliance helped elevate the tennis team.—
Liana Handler
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
