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
Negotiating independence took another few months, but the decision proved pivotal.
—
Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Despite her experiences, Ellie is still emotionally immature, seeing independence as its own authority.
—Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2025
South Africa, positioned in East Africa, is one of the world’s poorest and newest countries in the world, having declared independence in July 2011.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 6 Apr. 2025
Such contests have always been settled privately among senators, out of shared pride in the institution’s independence, but Scott seemed to enlist MAGA celebrities to undermine Thune.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for independence
Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Despite her experiences, Ellie is still emotionally immature, seeing independence as its own authority.
—Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2025
South Africa, positioned in East Africa, is one of the world’s poorest and newest countries in the world, having declared independence in July 2011.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 6 Apr. 2025
Such contests have always been settled privately among senators, out of shared pride in the institution’s independence, but Scott seemed to enlist MAGA celebrities to undermine Thune.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for independence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independence
Noun
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Their expertise and training usually have their roots in Western, individualistic contexts, steeping them in ideals such as autonomy, empowerment, egalitarianism, and authenticity.—
David Livermore,
Harvard Business Review,
9 Apr. 2025
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These situations provide excellent opportunities for the other to have complete autonomy over the decisions.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea and has accused the Philippines—a U.S. treaty ally—of acting as a proxy in American efforts to contain its influence.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
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They were met by thousands of U.S. protesters, and a symbolic call for sovereignty turned into a bloody clash, sparking yearslong discussions about how Panama could take over the canal.—
Whitney Eulich,
Christian Science Monitor,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Promoting public understanding of the principles of our freedoms is a critical component in the civic education of the citizens of the United States, Florida and each community.—
Lonnie Groot,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Apr. 2025
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The tariff announcement was the latest and perhaps boldest manifestation of Trump’s second-term freedom to lead with his instincts after feeling his first turn in the Oval Office was restrained by aides who did not share his worldview.—
Steve Peoples,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2025
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
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China has been doubling down on policies to strengthen its self-sufficiency since the first trade war in 2018.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
9 Apr. 2025
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Few economic philosophies have shaped America’s prosperity as profoundly as Henry Clay’s American System — a blueprint for national strength and self-sufficiency.—
Tim Overton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Country Montessori School is dedicated to sparking each child’s self-reliance, empathy, and resilience.—
Jose Bolanos,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Apr. 2025
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By implementing reciprocal tariffs, President Trump is trying to level the playing field and generate revenue for the government while signaling a move away from globalization toward economic self-reliance.—
Garth Friesen,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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