What does "independence" mean?
The quality or state of being independent; lack of dependence; the state of not being reliant on, or controlled by, others.
Independence
/ˌɪn.dɪˈpɛn.dəns/ name, noun
name, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The quality or state of being independent; lack of dependence; the state of not being reliant on, or controlled by, others.
- Grammar: independence is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: liberation, abstention, academic loneliness, academic objectivity.
- Useful contrasts: academic federation, british control, collaborative behavior.
- Usage evidence: Our people thirst for independence.
How to use "independence"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "independence" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "independence" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "independence" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "independence" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "independence" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "liberation" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "independence", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The quality or state of being independent; lack of dependence; the state of not being reliant on, or controlled by, others. countable, uncountable
"In 1947, India gained independence from the British Empire."
- 2 the successful ending of the American Revolution wordnet
- 3 The state of having sufficient means for a comfortable livelihood. countable, uncountable
- 4 freedom from control or influence of another or others wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Calaveras County, California.
- 2 A number of places in the United States:; A census-designated place, the county seat of Inyo County, California.
- 3 A number of places in the United States:; A ghost town in Pitkin County, Colorado.
- 4 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Warren Township, Warren County, Indiana.
- 5 A number of places in the United States:; A city, the county seat of Buchanan County, Iowa.
Show 25 more definitions
- 6 A number of places in the United States:; A city, the county seat of Montgomery County, Kansas.
- 7 A number of places in the United States:; A city in Kentucky, and one of the two county seats of Kenton County.
- 8 A number of places in the United States:; A town in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana.
- 9 A number of places in the United States:; A city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
- 10 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in St. Louis County, Minnesota.
- 11 A number of places in the United States:; A census-designated place in Tate County, Mississippi.
- 12 A number of places in the United States:; A city in Missouri, United States and one of the two county seats of Jackson County.
"I was in Kansas City on November 6; it was the day before election, and as usual I planned to cast my ballot in Independence."
- 13 A number of places in the United States:; A town in Allegany County, New York.
- 14 A number of places in the United States:; A river in New York; rising in Big Moose and flowing into the Black River at Pine Grove.
- 15 A number of places in the United States:; A city in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
- 16 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Defiance County, Ohio.
- 17 A number of places in the United States:; A ghost town in Custer County, Oklahoma.
- 18 A number of places in the United States:; A city in Polk County, Oregon; named for the city in Missouri.
- 19 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Henderson County, Tennessee.
- 20 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Washington County, Texas.
- 21 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Uintah County, Utah.
- 22 A number of places in the United States:; A town in Wasatch County, Utah.
- 23 A number of places in the United States:; A town, the county seat of Grayson County, Virginia.
- 24 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Barbour County, West Virginia.
- 25 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Clay County, West Virginia.
- 26 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Jackson County, West Virginia.
- 27 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Preston County, West Virginia.
- 28 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Thurston County, Washington.
- 29 A number of places in the United States:; A city in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin.
- 30 A number of places in the United States:; A number of townships in the United States, listed under Independence Township.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
academic federationbritish controlcollaborative behaviorcollaborative quality
Example
"Our people thirst for independence."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "independence"?
Common synonyms include: liberation, abstention, academic loneliness, academic objectivity, affluence, anythingarianism.
How do you use "independence" in a sentence?
Our people thirst for independence.
How do you pronounce "independence"?
Pronounced /ˌɪn.dɪˈpɛn.dəns/.
Etymology
From French indépendance. Analyzable as in- + de- + pend + -ence or in- + dependence.