independent

adjective

ˌin-də-ˈpen-dənt How to pronounce independent (audio)
Definition of independentnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 They are also designed as a form of soft diplomacy, modeling independent journalism that incorporates dissent from government policy. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025 In their view, independent agencies shouldn't be independent. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 4 Mar. 2025 For independent and franchised restaurant owners, the key to survival is adapting quickly—whether through supplier negotiations, creative menu planning, or strategic pricing adjustments. — Gary Occhiogrosso, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Establishing a fully independent judiciary will be essential for organizing free elections, managing political disputes, and rehabilitating the economy, since international investment is often tied to confidence in a country’s legal systems. — Patrick Vinck, Foreign Affairs, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for independent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independent
  1. autonomous
  2. separate
  3. powerful
  4. sovereign
  5. self-sufficient
  6. self-reliant
  7. self-sustaining
  8. free
Adjective
  • Now, the military is trying to keep up with the innovation going on in the private sector—AI and autonomous vehicles, drones, etc.
    — Edward Felsenthal, TIME, 16 Mar. 2025
  • This vision of the future is becoming increasingly real thanks to advancements in autonomous driving technology.
    — Fox News Staff, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of autonomous
Adjective
  • The man, who was hospitalized in critical condition, spoke with detectives on two separate occasions in February and March while recovering at a medical facility.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025
  • In a separate post to his Instagram story, Styles took one final bow.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of separate
Adjective
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The first night of Battles on The Voice featured some big moves, most notably John Legend and Adam Levine whipping out one of their most powerful tools as coaches: the save.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of powerful
Adjective
  • Despite attracting interest from several bidders all over the world, including two sovereign wealth funds, the 69-car collection found a new owner in Mark Mateschitz, the only son of the late Austrian billionaire and Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz.
    — Yara Elshebiny, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Pension funds, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds and high-net-worth individuals are traditional investors in these private markets.
    — Stephanie Dhue,Sharon Epperson, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of sovereign
Adjective
  • As the self-sufficient adolescent Ari, Bateman delivers a performance wise beyond her years, with whip-smart comedic and dramatic timing born from instinctive avoidance.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Gradually, the teams are finding their own feet financially, with six teams now self-sufficient and six still requiring backing from SailGP.
    — Andrew Rice, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of self-sufficient
Adjective
  • 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
  • Macron’s overriding message was that France and its European allies needed to become more self-reliant in terms of their military defense, across the chain of financing it, manufacturing arms and equipment and operations on the ground.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of self-reliant
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
Definition of self-sustaining
Adjective
  • Start your free trial of Fubo now to get started watching.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The matching glass-top end table is a practical spot for cups of tea or summery cocktails, and fade-resistant cushion covers zip free for easy laundering when splashes inevitably occur.
    — Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of free

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Cite this Entry

“Independent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independent. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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