Independentist: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a person or movement advocating for full independence and self-governance of a territory or nation, often in a broad or general sense.

• The independentist movement in Scotland is gaining momentum

Carries a stronger, often negative connotation and is used to describe a person or group advocating for complete separation from a larger political entity, typically to form a new independent state.

• The government is cracking down on separatist activities in the region

Appropriate for describing someone who seeks a high degree of self-governance and control within the framework of a larger political entity, but not full independence.

• The autonomist party is pushing for more powers to be devolved to the regional government

Best used when referring to a person or movement advocating for complete sovereignty and self-determination of a territory or nation, often emphasizing legal and political authority.

• The sovereigntist platform includes plans for establishing an independent judiciary

This term is often used in political contexts to describe someone who supports independence for a country or region.

• The Catalan independentist movement has been gaining traction over the past decade.
• As an independentist, she campaigned for Scotland’s separation from the UK.

This phrase describes someone who relies on their own abilities and resources rather than depending on others, often in a survival or practical context.

• A self-reliant individual, she built her own business from the ground up.
• He prided himself on being a self-reliant individual, prepared for any challenge.

This phrase is used to describe someone who thinks for themselves and forms their own opinions, often applied to someone who rejects conformist ideas.

• As an autonomous thinker, he challenged the conventional wisdom in his field.
• She was known as an autonomous thinker who often questioned the status quo.

A general term for someone who values their independence in thinking and decision-making, not easily swayed by others.

• He is an independent-minded person who always makes his own decisions.
• Growing up, she was an independent-minded person who followed her own path.