Synonyms of independence

independence

noun

ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s 

1

as in autonomy

the ability to care for one's self

children are supposed to achieve some measure of independence by the time they are 18—so it's time for that 30-year-old to move out!

Synonyms & Similar Words

• autonomy
• freedom
• self-sufficiency
• self-reliance
• self-support
• strength
• self-dependence
• resilience
• self-subsistence
• self-determination
• power
• potency

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependence
• reliance
• weakness
• helplessness
• inadequacy
• impotence
• impotency

2

as in sovereignty

the state of being free from the control or power of another

college freshmen often revel in their newfound independence

Synonyms & Similar Words

• autonomy
• sovereignty
• freedom
• independency
• liberty
• liberation
• emancipation
• self-determination
• self-governance
• self-government
• manumission
• enfranchisement
• release

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependence
• subjection
• unfreedom
• heteronomy
• subjugation
• imprisonment
• captivity
• enslavement
• incarceration
• internment
• enchainment
• immurement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of independence

As part of a settlement reached with 12 states, Skydance must adopt a news editorial independence board. — Emma Roth, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026

Skydance has agreed to establish a five-member board of journalists tasked with protecting the independence of CNN and CBS to assuage concerns about political interference. — Miriam Waldvogel, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026

Former Solicitor General Donald Verrilli, who served in the Obama administration, said the Court has been deliberate in asserting its independence from the president. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

The two families’ lives intersected once again in their dedication to fight for independence for the Baltic states in the early 1960s. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026