1
as in autonomous
able to take care of oneself or itself without outside help
an independent young man who moved out of his parents' house while still a college student
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in separate
not being under the rule or control of another
finally they are an independent people, after centuries of domination by their more powerful neighbors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of independent
Landmark, once the go-to chain to launch independent films, fell on hard times as did many during Covid, was strapped for cash and pivoted to add big studio fare to its lineup.
—
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
The partnership comes about as a joint venture with Minnick’s The GLO imprint alongside the independent powerhouse label.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2025
The broadcasters provide news and current affairs coverage around the world, particularly in countries that are saturated by propaganda and starved for independent news coverage.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Four years ago, for instance, Kurt Almqvist, an independent scholar and book publisher, found Anna Cassel’s journals—some 60 notebooks—in a storage cubby on the Swedish Anthroposophical Society compound.
—Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for independent
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
The partnership comes about as a joint venture with Minnick’s The GLO imprint alongside the independent powerhouse label.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2025
The broadcasters provide news and current affairs coverage around the world, particularly in countries that are saturated by propaganda and starved for independent news coverage.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Four years ago, for instance, Kurt Almqvist, an independent scholar and book publisher, found Anna Cassel’s journals—some 60 notebooks—in a storage cubby on the Swedish Anthroposophical Society compound.
—Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for independent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independent
Adjective
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Trump's ambitions aren't far-fetched, according to an international relations expert who told ABC News that there are some avenues in which the U.S. could realistically acquire the autonomous Danish territory.—
Ivan Pereira,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2025
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Among the company’s strengths is the potential to actually benefit from the rise of autonomous vehicles, Cramer said, instead of losing out, as some investors have feared.—
Julie Coleman,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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However, there is simply no compelling reason to maintain separate taxing bodies for services that larger governments could deliver more efficiently, equitably and transparently.—
David Greising,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Apr. 2025
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And of the approximately 100 best-selling drugs examined in a separate study covering roughly the same time period, nearly 80% received an additional patent to extend their monopoly period beyond what was originally intended.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The formula combines powerful but gentle ingredients like tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide to tackle dark spots, acne scars, and uneven tone.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
15 Apr. 2025
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Led by 28-year olds Frederic Boesel and Jonas Muller—along with their over 30 cofounders—the company is positioning itself to be a big mover in AI, making the base models underpinning powerful image generation widely accessible.—
Thomas Brewster,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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That agreement recognizes the Pacific archipelago as a sovereign nation that conducts its own foreign policy but gives the U.S. control over defense and security.—
Danica Kirka,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2025
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This imperils not only American democracy but also other democratic sovereign nations.—
Mark A. Cohen,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Trump has frequently quipped that the US doesn’t need to import items like lumber, cars and oil, claiming that natural resources and manufacturing potential are plentiful enough domestically for America to be self-sufficient.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2025
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Create spaces where connections can continue after a patient is self-sufficient and released from care, enabling them to stay connected with a trusted team and/or circle of support.—
Sharron van der Meulen,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Indeed, as geopolitical tensions have driven the West to gradually decouple from China in recent years, Beijing has adapted to the resulting economic slowdown by prioritizing domestic consumption and making the economy more self-reliant in key sectors.—
Linggong Kong,
The Conversation,
25 Mar. 2025
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What Canadians need, though, is a leader who's tough and firm and stands by his convictions, a leader who will make Canada strong, self-reliant and stand on its own two feet, a leader who will put Canada first.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In addition to its momentum and self-sustaining nature, drive has another advantage over motivation: It can be developed and strengthened over time.—
Ryan McGrath,
Forbes,
27 Mar. 2023
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Significantly, some states had self-sustaining populations of wild turkeys that could serve as seed stock.—
Paul A. Smith,
Journal Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2023
Adjective
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Independent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independent. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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