SELF-RELIANCE Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

self-reliance

noun

ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənts

Definition of self-reliance

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

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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 The long experience of the United States in self-reliance has been followed by global entanglements which, while often brilliantly managed, have brought enormous disappointment and frustration. — Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026 These positive economic conditions make this visit even more timely, given the nation’s need for capital to continue its own self-reliance and economic growth. — Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Yet a rupture with the United States, doomed to a long night of Trumpism, seems unlikely, to say nothing of a future of European self-reliance. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 In its 40th year, the purpose of the outdoor retreat is for youth to reflect on universal values including nonviolence, respect, fearlessness, honesty, equanimity and self-reliance as exemplified by Indian freedom leader Mahatma Gandhi. — Savita Patel, Mercury News, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-reliance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance

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

Noun

China’s chip self-sufficiency rate reached roughly 70% by production volume in June, compared with 38% in January 2010, according to Goldman.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Their goals are to improve the well being of children while promoting family unification, and to assist families to achieve economic and social self-sufficiency.

— News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of self-sufficiency

Browse Nearby Words

self-regulating

self-reliance

self-reliant

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“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-reliance

noun

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