SELF-DEPENDENCE Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

self-dependence

noun

ˌself-di-ˈpen-dən(t)s

Definition of self-dependence

as in independence

the ability to care for one's self encouraged her children to develop self-dependence at a relatively early age a level of self-dependence rarely seen in teens

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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-dependence As Locke put it in his essay, this was a period of renewal, of self-respect, and of self-dependence among Black people. — Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Feb. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-dependence

Noun

The program uses culinary education to build confidence, independence, creativity and life skills while introducing students to potential careers in the culinary arts.

— Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Reiterating its 2019 call for Kavala’s release, the court declared his life-without-parole conviction null and void and found multiple violations of fundamental rights and judicial independence guarantees.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of independence

Noun

Bareilles is mourning a few things — the deaths of close friends, dreams of easy fertility, assumptions of female autonomy, the American dream — but the music soars, more often than not.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026
Historically, the United States has sent mixed messages to Europeans, encouraging them to step up but then scolding them for seeking autonomy.

— JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of autonomy

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self-denying

self-dependence

self-dependent

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

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Synonyms of self-dependence

noun

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