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

But neither Somalia nor any other state recognizes the territory’s independence. —Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024

Most people, cognitively impaired or not, do fear losing their independence. —Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

The country has faced a turbulent political history that saw authoritarian rule starting from its founding after gaining independence from Japanese colonialism all the way to the 1980s, according to Charles Kim, a professor of Korean studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. —Chandelis Duster, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024

Courtenay Brown, Nov 8, 2024 - Economy Powell is already protecting Fed's independence from Trump The votes aren't all counted yet, but the early jockeying for position on the Fed's future has begun. —Neil Irwin, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024

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

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