Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective independent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of independent are autonomous, free, and sovereign. While all these words mean "not subject to the rule or control of another," independent implies a standing alone; applied to a state it implies lack of connection with any other having power to interfere with its citizens, laws, or policies.

the colony's struggle to become independent

Where would autonomous be a reasonable alternative to independent?

Although the words autonomous and independent have much in common, autonomous stresses independence in matters pertaining to self-government.

in this denomination each congregation is regarded as autonomous

When can free be used instead of independent?

While in some cases nearly identical to independent, free stresses the complete absence of external rule and the full right to make all of one's own decisions.

you're free to do as you like

When could sovereign be used to replace independent?

The synonyms sovereign and independent are sometimes interchangeable, but sovereign stresses the absence of a superior power and implies supremacy within a thing's own domain or sphere.

separate and sovereign armed services

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of independent One way for state lawmakers to move forward would require wresting power from the independent state redistricting commission, which voters approved in 2008 to oversee redistricting. David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2025 For small independent businesses like Rock City Coffee in Rockport, Maine, pricing decisions can be especially tricky. New York Times, 25 July 2025 France will be the biggest Western power and first member of the group of economic superpowers known as the Group of 7 (G7) to recognize Palestine as an independent state. Callum Sutherland, Time, 25 July 2025 The documentary, produced by independent company HOYO Films, aired on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in February before being subsequently removed from the streaming platform. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for independent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for independent
Adjective
  • But California regulators are making clear that Tesla is not authorized to carry passengers on public roads in autonomous vehicles and would require a human driver in control at all times.
    Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 26 July 2025
  • Lewitt, who graduated with an electrical engineering degree, was working up to 50 hours a week at a job that involved helping autonomous vehicles detect traffic lights on the road.
    Terry Ward, CNN Money, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Another caller, a case worker, was assisting two separate individuals who was defrauded by con artists impersonating immigration attorneys via Facebook and WhatsApp.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
  • Fans can also grab a separate five-pack of Jibbitz charms that includes mini donuts, the Krispy Kreme paper hat, the logo, and a dozens box.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, aboard the spacecraft will be twin NASA satellites that will orbit Earth in tandem while studying how the sun's powerful activity can disrupt our planet's magnetosphere.
    Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
  • Keith McAllister, 61, of Long Island, was killed on Wednesday (July 16) after being pulled into a powerful MRI machine at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, while assisting his wife following a routine knee scan.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund is reportedly finalizing a $4 billion tourism project in Ras Alam El-Rum, east of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast, as part of a broader plan to invest $7.5 billion in Egypt.
    Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 25 July 2025
  • The Middle East has become more and more intertwined with the global investing stage, especially with the deep pockets of sovereign wealth funds and family offices.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, heading out on a self-sufficient expedition with your family was one of the few completely safe ways to experience life outside the house for many.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • The unit is self-sufficient, with a Menlo Park battalion chief serving as team manager, a logistics specialist handling food, water, and transportation, and additional support personnel, Schlice said.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Overlanding is a form of self-reliant travel that involves adventuring to remote destinations, typically in a vehicle of some type.
    Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 19 July 2025
  • Whether in rural communities in the U.S., industrial cities in the United Kingdom, or towns in Africa, the message is similar that men should be strong, silent and self-reliant.
    Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to its momentum and self-sustaining nature, drive has another advantage over motivation: It can be developed and strengthened over time.
    Ryan McGrath, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2023
  • Significantly, some states had self-sustaining populations of wild turkeys that could serve as seed stock.
    Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2023
Adjective
  • The 24-hectare base is a large and self-sustained compound, according to 2023 U.S. military documents detailing the facilities.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 23 June 2025
  • Completely self-sustained, the brothers, Lotia writes in her book, are not just potters, but make a living as farmers as well.
    Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Independent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/independent. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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