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 But her perspective is internet-era cosmopolitan; young but preternaturally wise about self-reliance. — Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 At camp, children often learn about patriotism, discipline, cooperation, leadership and self-reliance. — Seth T. Kannarr, Fortune, 13 July 2026 Our founding principles, articulated in 1776, emphasized self-reliance, resolve in the face of adversity, and the courage to compete on terms of one’s own choosing. — Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2026 Rising oil prices and fuel shortages have spurred calls for Africa to move toward greater self-reliance. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-reliance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance

Noun

Specialists there help adults and children recover their independence after brain and spinal injuries, stroke or neurological conditions, according to a statement on Tuesday.

— Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026
The nomination is still in flux, but was that a meaningful sign of GOP independence?

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of independence

Noun

This slows down decision-making, reduces autonomy, and distances employees from meaningful work.

— Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
The program emphasizes advancements in autonomy, commerciality, and hybrid power integration, and incorporates innovative features such as voice control to enhance Soldier‑system interaction.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of autonomy

Noun

Farther down the same rice belt, Indonesia's agriculture ministry counts more than 30,000 hectares of rice hit by drought, over 12,000 of them a total loss, in a country that recently halted rice imports in the name of self-sufficiency.

— Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
The research firm added that while CXMT's technology still lags global memory leaders, domestic internet giants spearheading AI development will likely drive robust adoption of its chips as Beijing pushes for semiconductor self-sufficiency.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 27 July 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-reliance

noun

Example Sentences

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