INDEPENDENCE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

independence

noun

ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s

Definition of independence

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!

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sovereignty

the state of being free from the control or power of another college freshmen often revel in their newfound independence

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of independence Monday's hybrid meeting, which falls on the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, will examine measures aimed at stepping up support for Kyiv and reducing Russia's resources to continue its war effort, and combating Moscow's shadow fleet. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 But also observe how teachers support children’s independence. — Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 Support in French-speaking Quebec for independence from Canada has fallen to 30% — the lowest in years, Reuters reports (separation narrowly failed in a 1995 referendum). — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 Maksym Yuzviak, 35, a strike-drone operator who lost both legs in January 2025, said Ukraine’s independence rested on the actions of ordinary people. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for independence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for independence

Noun

Bareilles is mourning a few things — the deaths of close friends, dreams of easy fertility, assumptions of female autonomy, the American dream — but the music soars, more often than not.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026
Historically, the United States has sent mixed messages to Europeans, encouraging them to step up but then scolding them for seeking autonomy.

— JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of autonomy

Noun

San Manuel Nation, a partner of the Dodgers for more than a decade, is actively fighting against prediction markets, believing their availability in California violates tribal sovereignty.

— Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 24 Aug. 2026
That lofty rhetoric will now meet reality, demonstrating how much economic pain a nation is willing to face to secure its political sovereignty.

— Sara Miller Llana, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of sovereignty

Noun

In fact, the Book of Exodus is his jam here, focusing on Moses (Christian Bale), his close connection to Egyptian pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton) and Moses' effort to lead the Israelites out of Egypt to freedom.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
The International Press Institute, a nonprofit that aims to protect media freedom, recorded 26 incidents of attacks and threats in the five months to March.

— Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of freedom

Noun

Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.

— Barton Swaim, WSJ, 27 Dec. 2021
His seemingly daily attacks on freedom of speech, the independency of the judiciary, the right to vote and other pillars of our constitutional system are bolstered by an intensely loyal fan base.

— Christopher Ingraham, Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2020

Definition of independency

Noun

China’s chip self-sufficiency rate reached roughly 70% by production volume in June, compared with 38% in January 2010, according to Goldman.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Their goals are to improve the well being of children while promoting family unification, and to assist families to achieve economic and social self-sufficiency.

— News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of self-sufficiency

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indentures

independence

independences

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“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independence. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of independence

noun

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