self-reliant
adjective
self-re·li·ant
ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənt 
: having confidence in and exercising one's own powers or judgment
Examples of self-reliant in a Sentence
a surprisingly calm and self-reliant child
Recent Examples on the Web
The leaders of independent India, wary of inviting new forms of colonial domination, wanted to be self-reliant.
—
Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
It's been very important to me to be strong and self-reliant, and to constantly be growing.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
By moving the economy up the value chain, Beijing hopes to escape the middle-income trap and cement its status as a self-reliant tech superpower.
—Shaoyu Yuan, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025
Philippine industries would receive technology transfers to strengthen the country's self-reliant defense capability.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-reliant
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
It's been very important to me to be strong and self-reliant, and to constantly be growing.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
By moving the economy up the value chain, Beijing hopes to escape the middle-income trap and cement its status as a self-reliant tech superpower.
—Shaoyu Yuan, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025
Philippine industries would receive technology transfers to strengthen the country's self-reliant defense capability.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-reliant
Cite this Entry
“Self-reliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-reliant. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share