INDEPENDENT Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

independent

adjective

ˌin-də-ˈpen-dənt

Definition of independent

as in autonomous

able to take care of oneself or itself without outside help an independent young man who moved out of his parents' house while still a college student

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sovereign

not being under the rule or control of another finally they are an independent people, after centuries of domination by their more powerful neighbors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 That sent shockwaves across the southern African region where Tongaat’s network of mills and refineries tied together independent growers, logistics companies, and food manufacturers. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 3 July 2026 However, the results reported by xDots still come primarily from pilot projects, so broader independent validation will be needed to determine whether similar savings can be achieved consistently across different industries. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026 The tool, developed by independent AI engineer Luke Geel, analyzes past results and players’ activity—from posture to blink rate—spotting connections that might be imperceptible to the average viewer but visible to top pros. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 3 July 2026 Take control of your money with CNBC Select CNBC Select is editorially independent and may earn a commission from affiliate partners on links. — Siggie Cohen, CNBC, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for independent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for independent

Adjective

Early guests will be able to try robot check-in and autonomous in-room delivery before the full launch.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
In her Sintra speech Tuesday, Breeden said that, for now, trading firms mainly use autonomous AI for lower-risk operational tasks, such as research.

— Hugh Leask, CNBC, 3 July 2026

Definition of autonomous

Adjective

As Americans reflect on our 250-year history as a sovereign nation, there's no better time to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty the country offers.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
On July 4, the United States of America celebrates its 250th birthday, marking the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and becoming a sovereign nation.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of sovereign

Adjective

Seconds later, a powerful explosion blasted through the doorway, shattering windows and sending vertical blinds and debris flying as firefighters quickly retreated from the building.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
The brothers bonded over the game, but in his work, Grant so frequently provided a microphone for the voices a powerful organization would rather hush.

— Sam McDowell July 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026

Definition of powerful

Adjective

Rodriguez, who has expressed some interest in the proposal, said city leaders had not determined how county election officials would issue separate ballots for voters who would be barred from state and national contests.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Each ticket costs $5, and players may pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers — five different numbers from 1 to 70 (the white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (the gold Mega Ball) — or select Easy Pick/Quick Pick.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of separate

Adjective

With its home-preparedness checklist that aims to make citizens self-sufficient for at least a week, the brochure advises keeping at the ready a backpack filled with basics, including water, batteries, and a wireless radio.

— Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2026
Suleyman has stated his goal is to make Microsoft AI a self-sufficient, top-tier lab.

— Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 27 June 2026

Definition of self-sufficient

Adjective

Once roots push beyond the original planting hole and into surrounding soil, the plant becomes far more self-reliant.

— Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2026
Countries are spending enormous sums to become self-reliant—in energy, in defense, in technology.

— Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 2 June 2026

Definition of self-reliant

Adjective

Your best chance of spotting a whooping crane is along the Texas coast, where the world’s only self-sustaining wild population returns each winter after migrating from Canada.

— Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026
Feral populations spring up as result of these self-sustaining domestic animals fending for themselves.

— Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 17 June 2026

Definition of self-sustaining

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independency

independent

independently

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“Independent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independent. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of independent

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