self-reliant

adjective

self-re·​li·​ant ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənt How to pronounce self-reliant (audio)
: having confidence in and exercising one's own powers or judgment

Examples of self-reliant in a Sentence

a surprisingly calm and self-reliant child
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The government’s decision to expedite the launch comes as the country seeks to be more self-reliant in moving exports via air. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 Apr. 2025 More broadly, these efforts will strengthen India’s defense industrial base, allowing India to position itself to be a more self-reliant and agile force in the evolving global defense landscape. Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 At the end of this standoff, China, not America, would come out stronger: more self-reliant at home and more respected abroad. Chang Che, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2025 Indeed, as geopolitical tensions have driven the West to gradually decouple from China in recent years, Beijing has adapted to the resulting economic slowdown by prioritizing domestic consumption and making the economy more self-reliant in key sectors. Linggong Kong, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-reliant

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-reliant was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Self-reliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-reliant. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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