Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective independent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of independent are autonomous, free, and sovereign. While all these words mean "not subject to the rule or control of another," independent implies a standing alone; applied to a state it implies lack of connection with any other having power to interfere with its citizens, laws, or policies.

the colony's struggle to become independent

Where would autonomous be a reasonable alternative to independent?

Although the words autonomous and independent have much in common, autonomous stresses independence in matters pertaining to self-government.

in this denomination each congregation is regarded as autonomous

When can free be used instead of independent?

While in some cases nearly identical to independent, free stresses the complete absence of external rule and the full right to make all of one's own decisions.

you're free to do as you like

When could sovereign be used to replace independent?

The synonyms sovereign and independent are sometimes interchangeable, but sovereign stresses the absence of a superior power and implies supremacy within a thing's own domain or sphere.

separate and sovereign armed services

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 independent The aforementioned eggs were distributed to Walmart, Safeway, chains owned by Kroger and various other independent and chain supermarkets. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 8 June 2025 Whether the indictment is solid or not, Abrego García will now have competent legal defense and will be before independent judges. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 June 2025 When TikTok virality and playlist automation saturate listeners’ attention, artistic sameness threatens to rule the day—but independent artists on their own unique paths are still with us. Jenn Pelly, Time, 7 June 2025 Accordingly, he was described by abolitionists in his time as a living counterexample to claims by supporters of slavery that enslaved people lacked the intellectual capacity to function as independent American citizens. New Atlas, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for independent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independent
Adjective
  • Google even introduced tools that can browse the web and use software under user direction — early examples of the autonomous AI agents that many see as the next frontier.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 7 June 2025
  • Although the federal government has already started to streamline some regulations around autonomous driving, Morningstar analyst Seth Goldstein said regulators might possibly craft rules in a way that would single out Tesla.
    Chris Kirkham, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Center for Biological Diversity had filed a separate, similar lawsuit.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
  • Peninsular Malaysia is separate from Sarawak and Sabah, the Malaysian provinces on Borneo.
    Allan Marks, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mahle has developed new batteries, controller and display to go with the powerful mid-drive, along with a bunch of accessories.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 June 2025
  • As Israel’s most powerful ally, the U.S. has tried for years to mediate an end to Iran’s nuclear program.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Insurance firms, development banks, sovereign wealth funds, and remittances are also sources that could be tapped to finance Africa’s infrastructure, the bank said in its report.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 5 June 2025
  • Loyalists’ fate after the American Revolution The Treaty of Paris recognized the U.S. as a sovereign nation and addressed a variety of other issues that remained to be resolved in the war’s aftermath.
    Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Flexible companies allow people to remain employed, self-sufficient, and care for their families.
    Dr. Ella F. Washington, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Visiting remote stretches of coast, pristine beaches, or villages that receive few tourists typically requires an explorer yacht that can be self-sufficient for several days.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The swaggering Astrid was always the film’s most self-reliant character, and in Parker’s hands, the romance between her and Hiccup takes on Clark Kent-Lois Lane vibes, especially when the two hit the skies.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • Overlanding is a form of self-reliant travel that involves adventuring to remote destinations, typically in a vehicle of some type.
    Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to its momentum and self-sustaining nature, drive has another advantage over motivation: It can be developed and strengthened over time.
    Ryan McGrath, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2023
  • Significantly, some states had self-sustaining populations of wild turkeys that could serve as seed stock.
    Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2023
Adjective
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 8 June 2025
  • Mazda said dealers will replace the dynamic stability control unit for free.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 7 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Independent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independent. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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