independent

1. 1

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

   • 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
2. 2

   Not affiliated with any political party.

   • the independent candidate
3. 3

   Providing a comfortable livelihood.

   • an independent property
4. 4

   Not subject to bias or influence; self-directing.

   • a man of an independent mind
5. 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.

syn. autonomous · free · self-standing · substantive · undependent

ant. contingent · dependent

1. 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.
2. 2

   A neutral or uncommitted person.

3. 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.
4. 4

   A team not affiliated with any league or conference.