self-reliant

adjective

self-re·​li·​ant ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənt How to pronounce self-reliant (audio)
: 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
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.
The answer depends on several factors: • Hardware access: The U.S. leads in AI chip manufacturing, but China is investing in self-reliant alternatives. Vazgen Harutyunyan, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 That's a jackpot for Trump's growth agenda and Starmer's vision of a self-reliant Europe. Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 Likewise, she must be nurtured by us to be more independent, self-reliant and resilient than others her age. Keven Undergaro, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025 Taiwan should become as self-reliant as possible, but the United States may still need the capability to replenish Taiwan’s military stockpiles during a Chinese blockade or under Chinese fire—without bringing U.S. forces into the conflict. Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-reliant

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-reliant was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Self-reliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-reliant. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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