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.

Daunt is a bibliophile and owns a small chain of eponymous independent bookstores in England.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

We’re in uncharted territory, and Judges Lasnik and Fogel are bravely opening up about what this volatility means for an independent judiciary, and what we should do about it.

From Slate • May 9, 2026

In the late 1990s leader Pauline Hanson initially held her seat as an independent before losing her re-election bid.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Former Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer, who hasn’t landed an MLB job since serving a 194-game suspension, has signed with the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Yes, I want to be independent, but there are times in life when we should never be alone.

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

Vocabulary lists containing independent

List 1

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