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 Resentment toward Ottawa runs deep, but has not traditionally translated into widespread support for independence. — CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 Alberta voters overwhelmingly rejected a move toward independence, with 75% backing remaining in Canada in early results from a vote that could have led to a future separation referendum. — Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 Few countries can achieve outright energy independence, but all of them can reduce their exposure to single points of failure. — Dr. Sarah Kapnick, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026 By the top of 2019, Tinashe regained her creative control and entered an era of independence, re-establishing herself as one of the most innovative minds in the pop ecosystem with that winter’s Songs for You. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 19 Oct. 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 jet’s modular design enables rapid integration of mission systems and mission autonomy software.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Rooted in feminism and unfolding against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, the works consider flesh and the human body with brutal honesty, viewing them as vessels for trauma, mortality, and political autonomy.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of autonomy
Noun
  • Lula has instead emphasized multilateralism, ties with the Global South and China — Brazil’s largest export market — and his resistance to Trump’s tariff measures as a defense of national sovereignty.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The three providers built around European technology received a higher sovereignty rating.
    — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of sovereignty
Noun
  • My first exit gave me that freedom, but also a sense of unfinished business.
    — Daniel Kjellén, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The decades-long contract with Cheniere indicates that Qatar sees a risk that freedom of navigation will never return to Hormuz as Iran keeps attacking tankers, Munton said.
    — Spencer Kimball,Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 23 Oct. 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
  • But despite its leaders’ newfound interest in self-sufficiency, Europe remains dependent on the United States.
    — Claas Mertens, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
  • On her modest bookshelf, Gurdon already had useful models of self-sufficiency.
    — Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of self-sufficiency
Noun
  • The festival emphasizes communal effort, self-reliance and self-expression, according to the organization.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • This increasing self-reliance has an extra benefit in the midst of a grueling war.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of self-reliance

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independence
independences
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Cite this Entry

“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about independence

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