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!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sovereignty
the state of being free from the control or power of another
college freshmen often revel in their newfound independence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples of independence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While authoritarian parents, for example, are more strict, inflexible, and controlling, lighthouse parents encourage independence by trusting their children to follow the rules and make good decisions.
—
Alex Vance, Parents, 20 Sep. 2024
But the error undercut Biden’s critique of Republican former President Donald Trump, who has threatened to challenge the independence of the Federal Reserve if he is elected to a second term.
—Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2024
The State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, for example, facilitated a peaceful transition to Montenegro’s independence in a region otherwise plagued by ethnic war.
—Omar M. Dajani, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2024
Among the many topics discussed, both candidates used the occasion to position American energy independence as key to the country’s future, unusually highlighting the topic.
—Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for independence 
Alex Vance, Parents, 20 Sep. 2024
But the error undercut Biden’s critique of Republican former President Donald Trump, who has threatened to challenge the independence of the Federal Reserve if he is elected to a second term.
—Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2024
The State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, for example, facilitated a peaceful transition to Montenegro’s independence in a region otherwise plagued by ethnic war.
—Omar M. Dajani, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2024
Among the many topics discussed, both candidates used the occasion to position American energy independence as key to the country’s future, unusually highlighting the topic.
—Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for independence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'independence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to independence
Thesaurus Entries Near independence
Cite this Entry
“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share