independent

comparative more independent · superlative most independent

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

   1 more example

   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.

   2022 May 14, Jari Tanner, “Putin warns Finland NATO membership would harm relations”, in AP News, archived from the original on 14 May 2022

2. governmentNot affiliated with any political party.

   the independent candidate

   2 more examples

   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."

   2000 October 3, Tim Paluch, “Gore vs. Bush: That's Debatable”, in Iowa State Daily

   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.

   2020 October 10, Sarah Mucha, “‘A moment to put country above party’: Biden makes appeal to disaffected Republican and independent voters”, in CNN, archived from the original on 11 Jan 2021

3. Providing a comfortable livelihood.

   an independent property

4. Not subject to bias or influence; self-directing.

   a man of an independent mind

5. Separate from; exclusive; irrespective.

   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.

   1795, Robert Plumer Ward, An Enquiry into the Foundation and History of the Law of Nations in Europe from the Time of the Greeks and Romans to the Age of Grotius

plural independents

1. A candidate or voter not affiliated with any political party, a freethinker, free of a party platform.

   “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.

   2025 June 27, Zachary B. Wolf, “Trump is losing support among independent voters. Who are they?”, in CNN

2. A neutral or uncommitted person.
3. A small, privately owned business.

   It’s a great hub for shopping: the high street is pedestrianised and many of the town’s 600-odd listed buildings house fabulous independents – speciality food stores, cafes, antique shops, clothing boutiques.

   2022 November 25, Sarah Baxter et al., “Britain's 15 best high streets – where Christmas shopping is a pleasure”, in The Telegraph, archived from the original on 25 Nov 2022

4. hobbiesA team not affiliated with any league or conference.

plural Independents

1. ChristianityAn individual, group, or church that operates outside the authority, structure, or dogma of established, hierarchical, or denominational bodies.
2. ChristianityAn individual governed by spiritual independence; self-governed under divine guidance rather than swayed by human opinions, mortal beliefs, or external influences.