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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Furthermore, achieving homegrown development of these high-energy ion implanters marks a major boost to China’s semiconductor self-reliance, reinforcing the country’s ability to produce critical components without depending on foreign technology.
—
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 19 Jan. 2026
If these environments structurally limit what families can achieve, continuing to measure them against self-reliance standards may be setting them up to fail.
—Ilana Seff, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026
It was also supposed to significantly reduce food imports, enhance the country’s self-reliance, involve the private sector in policy development and create thousands of new jobs.
—Majirata Latela, The Dial, 13 Jan. 2026
His intention wasn’t to stoke fear but to promote self-reliance.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 19 Jan. 2026
If these environments structurally limit what families can achieve, continuing to measure them against self-reliance standards may be setting them up to fail.
—Ilana Seff, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026
It was also supposed to significantly reduce food imports, enhance the country’s self-reliance, involve the private sector in policy development and create thousands of new jobs.
—Majirata Latela, The Dial, 13 Jan. 2026
His intention wasn’t to stoke fear but to promote self-reliance.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance
Noun
-
Experts recommend a mix of technology and regular check-ins to balance safety and independence for elderly relatives.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Accusations of politicization at DOJ For decades, the Justice Department has enjoyed a degree of independence from the White House, particularly in investigations and prosecutions, to insulate them from partisan politics.—
Elena Moore,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Such steps would enhance the autonomy and productive capacity of Cuba’s private sector, including farm cooperatives, many of which have the title to their land.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
One pressing issue is the need to protect and expand reproductive autonomy while also addressing the full continuum of Black women’s health.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Here, China has a clear goal to boost self-sufficiency.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Beijing has prioritized technological self-sufficiency, boosting domestic chip companies.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
