self-reliance

noun

ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənts How to pronounce self-reliance (audio)
Definition of self-reliancenext
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

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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 This need for self-reliance can often be most pronounced when things go wrong. — Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Rising oil prices and fuel shortages have spurred calls for Africa to move toward greater self-reliance. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 6 July 2026 Some exercises create a feeling of power, achievement and self-reliance that's incredibly motivating. — Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 5 July 2026 Indonesia views the programme as a stepping stone towards long-term submarine self-reliance. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance
  1. independence
  2. autonomy
  3. self-sufficiency
Noun
  • One of the clearest examples of this promise is assistive robotics, where technology is being used to expand independence for people with disabilities.
    — Laila Burns, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • There are hills to die on for Notre Dame fans, like academics, independence, history, etc.
    — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of independence
Noun
  • Shanahan already gives his defensive coordinators shocking autonomy.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
  • The filmmakers have conceived a world that is both funny and extreme, navigating themes of bodily autonomy for both males and females through the playful and the monstrous.
    — William Earl, Variety, 25 July 2026
Definition of autonomy
Noun
  • The research firm added that while CXMT's technology still lags global memory leaders, domestic internet giants spearheading AI development will likely drive robust adoption of its chips as Beijing pushes for semiconductor self-sufficiency.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 27 July 2026
  • National organizations are increasingly backing the social infrastructure required to help families in affordable housing forge self-sufficiency, says Reggie Fullwood, Ability Housing’s CEO.
    — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of self-sufficiency

Browse Nearby Words

self-regulating
self-reliance
self-reliant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on self-reliance

Nglish: Translation of self-reliance for Spanish Speakers

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