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 Tongue-in-cheek humor aside, Stoke’s target consumer is proud to be an American, and is also a family man who values hard work and self-reliance. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025 Radical self-reliance is a key tenet of Burning Man. Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025 Over the years Philippine counter-trafficking projects have found some ways to increase financial self-reliance, for instance by starting fair trade farming projects. Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Our love for independence and self-reliance cannot help but be synchronous with loneliness. Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance
Noun
  • Sitake’s steadiness helped BYU escape the choppy waters of FBS independence and transition into a Power 4 conference in 2023.
    Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • But excellence and independence are all but impossible to consistently maintain without the steady backing of mentors or salaries, and when the incentives of the internet reward virality no matter how it’s achieved.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Operators input mission goals on the tablet, and the MATRIX autonomy software generates and executes a flight plan, using onboard sensors and algorithms to navigate safely and avoid obstacles.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The commentary and candor reflected in these conversations are an indication of the types of new narratives that can and will take center stage as female athletes begin to have more ownership and autonomy.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The quiet denouncement of Bob’s martyrdom complex points to people of color’s self-sufficiency.
    Robert Daniels, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Today, Doyne cares for 93 children, addressing their immediate needs and supporting them for long-term growth and self-sufficiency.
    Allie Torgan, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on self-reliance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!