independence

Freedom to make your own decisions without depending on or being controlled by others.

• She values her independence.
• The country declared independence in June.
• Living alone gave him greater independence.

How to use it: independence from someone/something (The country gained independence from foreign rule.)

Similar words: freedom, self-reliance

Opposites: dependence

Common phrases: gain independence, financial independence, independence from someone

A company’s freedom from ownership by or connection with another company.

• The company wants to keep its independence.
• A merger would end the publisher’s independence.
• The small label’s independence lets it choose its own artists.

Similar words: autonomy

Common phrases: company independence, retain independence, commercial independence