semi-independent

American  

[sem-ee-in-di-pen-duhnt] / ˌsɛm iˌɪn dɪˈpɛn dənt /

adjective

1. (of a political entity) having substantial self-government in regard to local matters but subordinate in such external matters as foreign policy; semiautonomous.

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Other Word Forms

• semi-independently
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of semi-independent

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Meta launched the oversight board in 2020 as a semi-independent group providing supervision of content moderation decisions across its platforms, which include Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Since 1887, Congress has created semi-independent boards, commissions and agencies with regulatory duties.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 5, 2025

By Monday morning, the Israel Defense Forces announced it would launch an investigation into the "circumstances of the deaths of civilians in the area of the strike," under the auspices of a semi-independent fact-finding body.

From Salon • May 27, 2024

As monarch, she crisscrossed the country and regularly visited Greenland and the Faeroe Islands, the two semi-independent territories which are part of the Danish Realm, and was met everywhere by cheering crowds.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 31, 2023

During the 15th and 16th centuries various attempts at reform arose, as among other orders, and resulted in the formation of semi-independent congregations owing a titular obedience to the general of the order.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 3 "Capefigue" to "Carneades" by Various