Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective independent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of independent are autonomous, free, and sovereign. While all these words mean "not subject to the rule or control of another," independent implies a standing alone; applied to a state it implies lack of connection with any other having power to interfere with its citizens, laws, or policies.

the colony's struggle to become independent

Where would autonomous be a reasonable alternative to independent?

Although the words autonomous and independent have much in common, autonomous stresses independence in matters pertaining to self-government.

in this denomination each congregation is regarded as autonomous

When can free be used instead of independent?

While in some cases nearly identical to independent, free stresses the complete absence of external rule and the full right to make all of one's own decisions.

you're free to do as you like

When could sovereign be used to replace independent?

The synonyms sovereign and independent are sometimes interchangeable, but sovereign stresses the absence of a superior power and implies supremacy within a thing's own domain or sphere.

separate and sovereign armed services

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independent
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • In a separate TikTok video, the woman pushed back on comments expressing doubt about her story.
    Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2025
  • In order to consider restoring those funds and billions more in future grants, federal officials demanded nine separate changes to the university's academic and security policies.
    ASSOCIATED PRESS, TIME, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Generosity is one of the most powerful ways to cultivate positive emotions.
    Shane Enete, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The Real Madrid brand was a powerful tool in securing new signings.
    Guillermo Rai, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • This imperils not only American democracy but also other democratic sovereign nations.
    Mark A. Cohen, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The need to be self-sufficient in energy is greater than any time since the First and Second World Wars.
    Heather Farmbrough, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • That self-sufficient mindset propelled her to success but eventually became a barrier to growth.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This creates a nurturing environment that boosts not just the kids' learning outcomes but also inspires parents to continue their own educational journeys and become more self-reliant.
    Rachelle Rutherford, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Carney rejected the notion that Canada should bow to U.S. pressure, vowing instead to forge new trade corridors and build a self-reliant economy.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • Given that the Browns have gone through two waves of free agency without adding a clear-cut starting quarterback, there’s either a long-term plan or there were multiple misses along the way.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Saquon Barkley, signed by the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency in 2024 after the Chicago Bears pursued him, challenged Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record, finishing with 2,005 yards before leading the team to a Super Bowl LIX victory.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Independent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independent. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

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