Independence — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s/ in·de·pen·dence

Meaning & Definition of Independence

Independence (noun)

  1. the quality or state of being independent
  2. competence

Independence (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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!"

    similar: self-dependence, self-reliance, self-subsistence, self-sufficiency, self-support
    related: autonomy, freedom, self-determination, potency, power, resilience, strength
    opposite: dependence, reliance
    near: helplessness, impotence, impotency, inadequacy, weakness

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

    "college freshmen often revel in their newfound independence"

    similar: autonomy, freedom, independency, liberty, self-determination, self-governance, self-government, sovereignty
    related: emancipation, enfranchisement, liberation, manumission, release
    opposite: dependence, heteronomy, subjection, unfreedom
    near: captivity, enchainment, enslavement, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration, internment, subjugation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Independence

The most common words with a similar meaning to Independence:

self-dependence, self-reliance, self-subsistence, self-sufficiency, self-support, autonomy, freedom, independency, liberty, self-determination, self-governance, self-government, sovereignty

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Independence

Words with the opposite meaning of Independence:

dependence, reliance, heteronomy, subjection, unfreedom

Related Words for Independence

potency, power, resilience, strength, emancipation, enfranchisement, liberation, manumission, release

Near Antonyms of Independence

helplessness, impotence, impotency, inadequacy, weakness, captivity, enchainment, enslavement, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration, internment, subjugation

Origin & Etymology of Independence

independ(ent):1 + -ence

First known use: 1606

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Independence

Words & Phrases Containing Independence

Independence Day, Black Independence Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, linear independence, Texas Independence Day, declare (one's) independence, war of independence

Frequently Asked Questions about Independence

What does "Independence" mean?

"Independence" means the quality or state of being independent. As a noun, it is defined as: the quality or state of being independent. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Independence"?

Other words for "Independence" include self-dependence, self-reliance, self-subsistence, self-sufficiency, self-support, autonomy, freedom and independency. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Independence" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Independence"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Independence". Common alternatives include self-dependence, self-reliance, self-subsistence, self-sufficiency, self-support, autonomy, freedom, independency, liberty and self-determination.

What is the opposite of "Independence"?

Antonyms of "Independence" include dependence, reliance, heteronomy, subjection and unfreedom. Near antonyms include helplessness, impotence, impotency and inadequacy.

How do you use "Independence" in a sentence?

Examples of "Independence" in a sentence: "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!"; "college freshmen often revel in their newfound independence".

Is "Independence" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Independence" is a noun.

Is "Independence" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Independence" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Independence"?

"Independence" is pronounced /ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as in·de·pen·dence.