independence

noun

in·​de·​pen·​dence ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being independent

2

archaic : competence sense 2

Synonyms

• self-dependence
• self-reliance
• self-subsistence
• self-sufficiency
• self-support

Examples of independence in a Sentence

She asserted her independence from her parents by getting her own apartment.

He has shown a fierce independence of spirit.

A month after independence, elections were held.

Recent Examples on the Web

Thirty years earlier, in 1995, on the weekend before Quebec’s second referendum on independence, my family and I went to Montreal to wander the city, to try to sense what Quebeckers were feeling, but mostly just to be there. —Ken Dryden, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2025

The Federal Reserve’s independence from the White House has long been enshrined in the law. —Colby Smith, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

Despite being content with her independence, Lane acknowledged the weight of navigating life alone. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025

The unit is also compatible with solar power systems and can run on a generator for complete energy independence. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing independence

• declare (one's) independence
• linear independence
• war of independence

Rhymes for independence

• ascendance
• attendance
• dependance
• dependence
• transcendence
• interdependence
• superintendence
• tendance

Kids Definition

independence

noun

in·​de·​pen·​dence ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being independent : freedom from outside control or support

Geographical Definition

Independence

geographical name

In·​de·​pen·​dence ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s 

city in western Missouri east of Kansas City population 116,830