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
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Recent Examples of self-reliance
The private sector’s revitalization will be essential for reducing poverty and fostering self-reliance.
—
Karam Shaar, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2024
The freedom of the car was not just a matter of autonomy, but self-reliance.
—Rachel Kushner, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
Capricorn season begins today, reminding you of the power of self-reliance.
—USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
Learning to cope sans beverages can lead to feelings of self-reliance and ultimately a more confident and in-control outlook on your life.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-reliance 
Karam Shaar, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2024
The freedom of the car was not just a matter of autonomy, but self-reliance.
—Rachel Kushner, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
Capricorn season begins today, reminding you of the power of self-reliance.
—USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
Learning to cope sans beverages can lead to feelings of self-reliance and ultimately a more confident and in-control outlook on your life.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance
Noun
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Congress can eliminate foreign aid from the budget or end the independence of agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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President Trump has frequently attacked the Fed in the past, raising concerns about the central bank’s historical independence from politics.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Even for a show as sci-fi as Severance, the issue of bodily autonomy will resonate.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
7 Feb. 2025
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Last week, Eversource and several other utilities sued PURA, contending the chairwoman has too much autonomy over cases.—
John Moritz,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In the same way that Japan’s patchworks of small fields once helped produce enough food to feed the whole country, a network of small solar installations could help Japan reach energy self-sufficiency.—
Hannah Kirshner,
The Atlantic,
8 Feb. 2025
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The vessel's capabilities will likely be closely monitored by the U.S. and regional powers as Tehran continues its push for military self-sufficiency.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near self-reliance
Cite this Entry
“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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