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!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

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 Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, 4 Feb. 2026 During the last legislative session, lawmakers voted to strengthen the Trust Act to maintain independence of state and municipal police. Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2026 The songs felt like a throwback mix, jumping from independence to heartbreak to feel-good happiness in just a few minutes. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 4 Feb. 2026 Washington has also threatened tariffs on any country that sells oil to Cuba, exacerbating what experts say is the worst economic crisis since independence in 1902. semafor.com, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for independence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independence
Noun
  • Legitimacy comes from collaboration with citizens, not autonomy from them.
    Annelise Riles, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
  • For decades, the BLA has waged a separatist insurgency that seeks greater political autonomy and economic development in the strategically important and mineral-rich Balochistan region, where the Reko Diq mine and other copper and mineral reserves are located.
    Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The ruling on the injunction focused on the argument by Minnesota officials that the federal government is violating the Constitution’s 10th Amendment, which limits the federal government’s powers to infringe on the sovereignty of states.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Those records were also used to aid federal assimilation efforts and chip away at tribal sovereignty, communal lands and identity.
    Graham Lee Brewer, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Freelancer, however, harkened back to the open concept introduced by Elite, giving players 48 star systems to explore and the freedom to pursue their own destiny as traders, miners, or bounty hunters.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Ordinary citizens in Minnesota have rallied in large numbers to defend constitutional freedoms.
    Binaifer Nowrojee, Time, 30 Jan. 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
  • Beijing has increasingly made clear its efforts to build technological self-sufficiency and hold its own on the global stage.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
  • By responding to countries’ push for self-sufficiency, the School Meals Accelerator represents a new approach to development that can withstand the challenges of the current aid climate.
    Reem Alabali Radovan, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Although the continent still relies on the US for satellite support, advanced fighters, and long-range drones, The Wall Street Journal reported, the pivot toward defense self-reliance is well under way.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 28 Jan. 2026
  • However, there is also some advantage for resilience and self-reliance.
    Joshua Pearce, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

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