Independent

/ˌɪn.dɪˈpɛn.dənt/ · adjective

Meaning

Not dependent; not contingent or depending on something else; free..

Definitions by Sense

1. Not dependent; not contingent or depending on something else; free.
2. (politics) Not affiliated with any political party.
3. Providing a comfortable livelihood.
4. Not subject to bias or influence; self-directing.
5. Separate from; exclusive; irrespective.
6. A candidate or voter not affiliated with any political party, a freethinker, free of a party platform.
7. A neutral or uncommitted person.
8. A small, privately owned business.

Example Sentences

Niinisto pointed out that he had already told Putin at their first meeting in 2012 that “each independent nation would maximize its own security.” “That is still the case. By joining NATO, Finland will strengthen its own security and assume its responsibilities. It is not something away from anybody,” Niinisto said.

the independent candidate

At one point in the debate, the moderator asked a tough question that had the candidates stumped. Moderator: "This question is for both of the candidates. Those ever-important independent voters who haven’t decided who to vote for would like to know what the real differences between you two are." Gore: "I think the real difference between Governor Bush and I is that he is in fact a Republican, and I am currently a Democrat." Moderator: "That doesn’t really answer the question, I am talking about issues." Bush: "No, he is right. I am a Republican, and he is a Democrat."

Joe Biden is making a clear attempt to appeal to disaffected Republicans and independent voters in the final weeks of the election, promising he’d be a president that would work hard not just for those who support him, but also for those who do not.

an independent property

a man of an independent mind

That obligation in general, under which we conceive ourselves bound to obey a law, independent of those resources which the law provides for its own enforcement.

“Independents opposed the bill by around a 3-to-1 margin … The KFF and Fox News polls – the ones with the fewest undecideds – showed 7 in 10 independents opposed it,” Blake wrote.

Synonyms for independent

Antonyms for independent

Related Words

Word Forms

• more independent
• most independent
• independents

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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