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.

Tehran has a willing buyer for its oil in China, where independent “teapot” refiners scooped up the cargoes, often at major discounts to benchmark oil prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

You can’t be “niche” doing arenas, and there’s this independent boom that’s not going to wait for anybody.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

There’s no independent power, since the boss calls all the shots.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

“We’re independent on the policy area, but we’re accountable in Congress.”

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

These were not independent sciences but a family group which held a set of geometrical techniques and measuring instruments in common.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing independent

List 1

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