independent

[in-di-pen-duhnt] / ˌɪn dɪˈpɛn dənt /

ADJECTIVE

liberated, free

Synonyms

STRONGEST

autonomous nonpartisan self-reliant self-sufficient separate sovereign

STRONG

absolute

WEAK

autarchic autarchical freewheeling individualistic nonaligned on one's own self-contained self-determining self-governing self-ruling self-supporting separated unaided unallied unconnected unconstrained uncontrolled unregimented

Antonyms

WEAK

dependent subordinate subservient

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

An independent press known for publishing books by controversial authors including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Melania Trump, Skyhorse is a real publisher with real distribution.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

Through the late 1880s and 1890s, Woods remained independent and invented prolifically—nearly 60 inventions in all—but autonomy came at a cost.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Open-source models let independent experts test systems, identify risks and build tools that benefit the entire ecosystem.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Bearstar Strategies said in a statement last week that it had suspended all activity on Swalwell’s independent expenditure.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

I wish Willa could see how independent I’m being.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Vocabulary lists containing independent

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