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

That point drew closer still in late October, when the Umbrella for Democratic Change, Botswana’s principal opposition party alliance, defeated the abusive and corrupt incumbent Botswana Democratic Party, which had held power continuously since the country gained independence in 1966. —Larry Diamond, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024

Powell's comments are likely to be seen as a bid to maintain the Fed's long-standing independence from outside political influence, though whether such immunity actually exists in practice has sometimes been debated. —Rob Wile, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024

These five strategies empower you to take control of your finances and achieve financial independence. —Melissa Houston, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

During the eighties, Harris moved away from theorizing and started to engage in policy debates, particularly in Jamaica, which had struggled economically since gaining its independence from Britain, in 1962. —John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024

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