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
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of independence
Tract says these inquiries support independence and keep communication open.
—
Melissa Willets, Parents, 11 Feb. 2026
Once in place, several current and former staffers told us, Lake made little effort to understand the agency, its mission, or even the point of journalistic independence.
—The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
Early plans for the site’s overhaul called for moving the 1930s-era Cenotaph monument, a memorial to the 200 or so Anglo and Tejano soldiers and volunteers who died at the Alamo in the 1836 battle for Texas independence.
—Madison Iszler, San Antonio Express-News, 10 Feb. 2026
Horses crave freedom and independence.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for independence
Melissa Willets, Parents, 11 Feb. 2026
Once in place, several current and former staffers told us, Lake made little effort to understand the agency, its mission, or even the point of journalistic independence.
—The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
Early plans for the site’s overhaul called for moving the 1930s-era Cenotaph monument, a memorial to the 200 or so Anglo and Tejano soldiers and volunteers who died at the Alamo in the 1836 battle for Texas independence.
—Madison Iszler, San Antonio Express-News, 10 Feb. 2026
Horses crave freedom and independence.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for independence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independence
Noun
-
Such steps would enhance the autonomy and productive capacity of Cuba’s private sector, including farm cooperatives, many of which have the title to their land.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
One pressing issue is the need to protect and expand reproductive autonomy while also addressing the full continuum of Black women’s health.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The current deal framework would cede sovereignty but lease the Diego Garcia base for 99 years, ban other nations from utilizing nearby islands without British consent, and open the door to negotiations prolonging the arrangement in 40-year intervals.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Syria’s sovereignty had been partly mortgaged to Russia and Iran, which were squeezing Damascus for money to repay their investment in the conflict.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Çatak’s anti-state message acquires an ambiguous power as the movie wends onward, with an enigmatic final shot that finds Aziz tasting clear-skies freedom but still from behind confines of a sort.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 2026
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But, after serving more than 30 years of a natural life sentence, Modrowski won back his freedom in summer 2024 when a judge ruled he had been too harshly punished and resentenced him to a 60-year term.—
Christy Gutowski,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This visit was very important signal for our partners that Kyiv, much more safety right now, and also very important signal that Great Britain stay together with Ukraine, support Ukraine -- support our country in the fight for our freedom, for our independency.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2022
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Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.—
Barton Swaim,
WSJ,
27 Dec. 2021
Noun
-
Beijing has increasingly made clear its efforts to build technological self-sufficiency and hold its own on the global stage.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
-
By responding to countries’ push for self-sufficiency, the School Meals Accelerator represents a new approach to development that can withstand the challenges of the current aid climate.—
Reem Alabali Radovan,
Fortune,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Encourage self-reliance by giving your child plenty of opportunities to explore without being overly supervised.—
Alanna Gallo,
Parents,
7 Feb. 2026
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At the same time, financial pressures force you to be realistic, requiring clearer boundaries around spending, worth and self-reliance.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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