independence

[ in-di-pen-duhns ]

/ ˌɪn dɪˈpɛn dəns /

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See synonyms for independence on Thesaurus.com

noun

Also independency. the state or quality of being independent.

freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others.

Archaic. a competency.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of independence

First recorded in 1630–40; independ(ent) + -ence

synonym study for independence

1. See freedom.

OTHER WORDS FROM independence

in·ter·in·de·pend·ence, nounpost·in·de·pend·ence, adjectivepre·in·de·pend·ence, nounsu·per·in·de·pend·ence, noun

Words nearby independence

indentation, indention, indenture, indentured, indentured servant, independence, Independence Day, Independence Hall, independence of path, independency, independent

Other definitions for independence (2 of 2)

Independence

[ in-di-pen-duhns ]

/ ˌɪn dɪˈpɛn dəns /

noun

a city in W Missouri: starting point of the Santa Fe and Oregon trails.

a town in SE Kansas.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use independence in a sentence

Failing to learn from this lesson, after independence, Congress created a “Secret Service Fund” that allowed presidents to use diplomat-spies as they saw fit.
Mixing diplomacy and spying would be poor strategy for U.S.|Jeff Rogg|February 25, 2021|Washington Post
“This may not provide enough independence and could cause a conflict of duties for those unit members,” according to the report.
FAA still needs to strengthen Boeing oversight after Max crashes, inspector general says|Ian Duncan, Michael Laris|February 24, 2021|Washington Post
Despite the connection, Marcus said researchers were given “independence in conducting our research and reaching our findings.”
Airports have taken steps to reduce coronavirus transmission but risks still remain, study says|Lori Aratani|February 12, 2021|Washington Post
That independence helped him survive the pandemic, though last year certainly did not match his business plan.
Sommeliers have been forced to pivot in the pandemic, and their futures remain uncertain|Dave McIntyre|February 4, 2021|Washington Post

Because of this, Huawei wants independence from the worldwide smartphone supply chain.
Huawei’s HarmonyOS: “Fake it till you make it” meets OS development|Ron Amadeo|February 2, 2021|Ars Technica
Complete male reproductive independence would also hinge on artificial womb technology, which also made headlines in 2014.
Men Will Someday Have Kids Without Women|Samantha Allen|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Yes, the gun: “While this gives a moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind.”
Forget the Resolutions; Try a Few Declarations|Kevin Bleyer|January 1, 2015|DAILY BEAST
This man has a remarkable ability, and remarkable independence because of it.
A Blind Man Sees With Sound|The Daily Beast Video|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The newly free country struggled to maintain order in the wake of independence, but it was woefully unprepared.
The Congo's Forgotten Colonial Getaway|Nina Strochlic|December 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And then there is William Morales of the Puerto Rican independence group the FALN.
Cuba Protects America’s Most Wanted|Michael Daly|December 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Bonaparte took possession of Venice, boasting an independence of fourteen centuries.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
Lastly, there was Aguinaldoʼs old rebel party, which rallied to the one cry “Independence.”
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
Divine Providence is about to place independence within our reach, in a manner most acceptable to a free and independent people.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
Still, he said, if France desired to entrust her independence and glory to one man she could choose none better than Bonaparte.
Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison
Deeply as they disapproved of his politics, they respected his independence and were inordinately proud of him.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton

British Dictionary definitions for independence (1 of 2)

independence

/ (ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns) /

noun

the state or quality of being independentAlso called: independency

British Dictionary definitions for independence (2 of 2)

Independence

/ (ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns) /

noun

a city in W Missouri, near Kansas City: starting point for the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails (1831–44). Pop: 112 079 (2003 est)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for independence

Independence

City in western Missouri.

notes for Independence

Beginning of the Santa Fe Trail, used by settlers moving west.

independence

Origin of independence

synonym study for independence

OTHER WORDS FROM independence

Words nearby independence

Other definitions for independence (2 of 2)

Words related to independence

How to use independence in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for independence (1 of 2)

British Dictionary definitions for independence (2 of 2)

Cultural definitions for independence

notes for Independence