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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Recent Examples of self-reliance
Now that period has given way to one of nationalism and self-reliance, which means promoting China’s own companies, products, technologies—and universities.
—
Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 14 June 2025
Despite the rhetoric on economic self-reliance, both the U.S. and China have much to lose from a prolonged trade war.
—Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Friday on the Telegram social network that his government would act preemptively to establish self-reliance in response to exhortations by Thai nationalists to cut off electricity and internet connectivity to Cambodia.
—Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Meanwhile, with Saturn — the planet of structure, discipline, boundaries and karma — transiting the early degrees of Aries, we are collectively challenged to take responsibility for our actions, which simultaneously teaches us patience and self-reliance.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 14 June 2025
Despite the rhetoric on economic self-reliance, both the U.S. and China have much to lose from a prolonged trade war.
—Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Friday on the Telegram social network that his government would act preemptively to establish self-reliance in response to exhortations by Thai nationalists to cut off electricity and internet connectivity to Cambodia.
—Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Meanwhile, with Saturn — the planet of structure, discipline, boundaries and karma — transiting the early degrees of Aries, we are collectively challenged to take responsibility for our actions, which simultaneously teaches us patience and self-reliance.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance
Noun
-
Foster self-confidence and independence in your child.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
4 July 2025
-
A little more than a week later, the Smithsonian asserts its independence and throws its support behind its secretary Lonnie G. Bunch.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
This enables autonomy while still engaging collaboration and cohesion.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Founded in 2011, the foundation has become one of the largest organizations in the world dedicated to promoting females’ safety and social and economic autonomy, according to Chanel.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
With Mercury retrograde in your sign starting on the 15th, old fears around your self-sufficiency might be resurfacing.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
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Why This Is Particularly Important For Women Leaders A 1991 study by psychologist Judith Jordan and her colleagues explored the idea that women’s psychological development isn’t primarily driven by independence and self-sufficiency (as it is considered to be for men), but by connection.—
Nicole Lipkin,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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