Meaning of 'independent'

adjective

free from external control and constraint

Example: "an independent mind"

adjective

of a clause, capable of standing syntactically alone as a complete sentence

Example: "The main independent clause in a complex sentence has at least a subject and a verb."

Synonyms: main

adjective

not controlled by a party or interest group

adjective

(of political bodies) not controlled by outside forces

Synonyms: autonomous sovereign self-governing

noun

a writer or artist who sells services to different employers without a long-term contract with any of them

Synonyms: freelance free-lance freelancer free lance self-employed person

noun

a neutral or uncommitted person (especially in politics)

Synonyms: mugwump fencesitter