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

At a news conference, Chair Jerome Powell deflected questions about President Donald Trump — who has repeatedly challenged the Fed’s independence — but that didn’t stop the president from attacking the central bank and its chair in a Truth Social post later in the day. 4. —Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has over the years steadfastly defended the central bank's independence. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2025

The announcement put the central bank on a potential collision course with Trump, though a longstanding norm of independence typically insulates the Fed from direct political interference. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2025

This financial structure has raised concerns within the agency about its independence in setting global health priorities. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 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

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