self-contained
adjective
self-con·tained
ˌself-kən-ˈtānd 
1
a
: complete in itself : independent
a self-contained machine
a self-contained program of study
b
: built-in
a lectern with a self-contained light fixture
2
a
: showing self-control
b
: formal and reserved in manner
Examples of self-contained in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The family that initially felt so shiny and self-contained gives way to individual stories that butt up against one another at skewed angles.
—
Book Marks
june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
In Anderson’s recent output, there’s a tension between his style growing more ornate and self-contained even as his subject matter feels increasingly ripped from the headlines, as Bilge Ebiri wrote in his recent profile of the filmmaker.
—Chris Stanton, Vulture, 13 June 2025
Need for admiration Narcissists have an insatiable need for admiration and validation from others, while those with big egos may be more self-contained in their sense of superiority.
—Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Her setup is also self-contained: brushes in a small bag, a mirror mounted behind her phone and a tripod for stability.
—Isabelle Rodney, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-contained
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Book Marks
june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
In Anderson’s recent output, there’s a tension between his style growing more ornate and self-contained even as his subject matter feels increasingly ripped from the headlines, as Bilge Ebiri wrote in his recent profile of the filmmaker.
—Chris Stanton, Vulture, 13 June 2025
Need for admiration Narcissists have an insatiable need for admiration and validation from others, while those with big egos may be more self-contained in their sense of superiority.
—Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Her setup is also self-contained: brushes in a small bag, a mirror mounted behind her phone and a tripod for stability.
—Isabelle Rodney, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-contained
Cite this Entry
“Self-contained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-contained. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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