Synonyms of self-reliance

self-reliance

noun

ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənts 

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

• independence
• autonomy
• self-sufficiency
• freedom
• self-dependence
• self-support
• resilience
• self-subsistence
• strength
• self-determination
• power
• potency

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependence
• reliance
• weakness
• helplessness
• inadequacy
• impotence
• impotency

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of self-reliance

Their source was the collective enthusiasm of a population that had gone into revolution—a revolution forming committees of social self-reliance in every field. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026

The music superstar grew up steeped in the ethic of self-reliance. — George F. Will, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2026

Traditional ideas about masculinity continue to prize self-reliance, emotional control, and endurance. — Rachel Docekal, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026

So, lacking any clear, unambiguous guidance on the future of V2X networks, autonomous-car makers—like Waymo, Tesla, Zoox, and Cruise—have leaned more on self-reliance, bulking up each vehicle with as many sensors and GPUs as possible. — IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2026