self-reliant

adjective

self-re·​li·​ant ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənt 

: having confidence in and exercising one's own powers or judgment

Synonyms

• independent
• self-dependent
• self-subsistent
• self-subsisting
• self-sufficient
• self-supported
• self-supporting
• self-sustained
• self-sustaining

Examples of self-reliant in a Sentence

a surprisingly calm and self-reliant child

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-reliant

• noncompliant
• supergiant
• client
• giant
• pliant
• scient
• compliant
• defiant
• reliant
• suppliant