as in independence
the ability to care for one's self some people don't achieve self-reliance until they're over 30 years old

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of self-reliance These times will teach you resilience, self-reliance and the ability to appreciate that change brings opportunities. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 Sarah’s sense of ingenuity and self-reliance was hard won. Jessica Pishko, New Yorker, 15 July 2025 The shows are also considered a powerful symbol of Puerto Rican self-reliance and the belief that the US territory can stand tall on its own, says Javier J. Hernández Acosta, dean of the School of Arts, Design and Creative Industries at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan. Michael Rios, CNN Money, 11 July 2025 But for policymakers, intense competition could help achieve industrial upgrading and self-reliance. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance
Noun
  • Still, activists among these communities frequently accuse the government of oppression, while others have taken up arms in the name of greater autonomy or even independence.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
  • This funding will help provide the tools and resources these new young adults need to obtain temporary housing, bridging the gap between foster care and independence.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • Instead, managers should empower teams with clear goals, autonomy and accountability.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • Even so, ever since Trump took office for a second time and started to consolidate his control over the entire federal government—including supposedly independent agencies—the autonomy of the Fed has again been called into question.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • That change may leave many disabled individuals without the necessary time to achieve self-sufficiency.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
  • During a recent interview with Bustle magazine, Hudson opened about the importance of teaching her kids self-sufficiency.
    Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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