independence

noun

in·​de·​pen·​dence ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s How to pronounce independence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being independent
2
archaic : competence sense 2

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
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.
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 If a sitting or former president can successfully coerce law firms into submission by threatening financial ruin, what happens to the idea of legal independence? Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025 Now, European nations are hoping to foster a new era of independence, with private companies at the helm. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025 The terminations marked an escalation of norm-shattering moves that have embroiled the Justice Department in turmoil and have raised alarm over a disregard for civil service protections for career lawyers and the erosion of the agency’s independence from the White House. Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for independence

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of independence was in 1640

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Independence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/independence. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

independence

noun
in·​de·​pen·​dence ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s How to pronounce independence (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce Independence (audio)
city in western Missouri east of Kansas City population 116,830

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