Definition of "independent"

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

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

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