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

South Sudan endured a bloody years-long civil war shortly after gaining independence in 2011, and the United Nations warns violence has escalated in recent months. —June 23, CBS News, 23 June 2025

Ada’s arc has been one of growing independence in baby steps: getting married, having the means to stand up to her sister. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 23 June 2025

The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. —Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 22 June 2025

There are echoes of The Troubles here; that long, dark period in the UK when the Irish Republican Army targeted numerous similar soft targets across Britain in a bid for independence. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025

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

Rhymes for independence

• ascendance
• attendance
• dependance
• dependence
• transcendence
• interdependence
• superintendence
• tendance

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