self-reliance
noun
self-re·li·ance
ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənts 
: reliance on one's own efforts and abilities
Synonyms
Examples of self-reliance in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Under the pressure and guidance of their father, Fritz (Holt McCallany), the dynasty will become engraved within the sport of wrestling, marred by tragedy and self-reliance.
—
Clayton Davis, Variety, 12 Nov. 2023
That agrarian spirit of self-reliance mixed with egalitarianism still emanates from Pendergrass.
—Tyrone Beason, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2023
Rick's self-reliance and belief in himself serve as models that our students can draw from.
—Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2023
And Finland, schooled in self-reliance, also maintains its large artillery forces, still makes its own shells and ammunition, and even bought advanced F-35 fighter jets before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
—Steven Erlanger, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2023
Burning Man’s ten principles—radical inclusion, gifting, decommodification, radical self-reliance, radical self-expression, communal effort, civic responsibility, leaving no trace, participation, and immediacy—are not exclusive to a late-August party in Nevada capped by ritual conflagrations.
—Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2023
His story of self-reliance and achieving such greatness is inspiring.
—Grace Lordan, Fortune, 13 Sep. 2023
What most Burners know — and what’s probably lost to the outside world amid the hyperbole of drug use and dusty dancing — is that the event is a major test of self-reliance.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 8 Sep. 2023
On top of that, rules intended to require radical self-reliance can hobble green efforts.
—Alden Wicker, WIRED, 7 Sep. 2023
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Clayton Davis, Variety, 12 Nov. 2023
That agrarian spirit of self-reliance mixed with egalitarianism still emanates from Pendergrass.
—Tyrone Beason, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2023
Rick's self-reliance and belief in himself serve as models that our students can draw from.
—Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2023
And Finland, schooled in self-reliance, also maintains its large artillery forces, still makes its own shells and ammunition, and even bought advanced F-35 fighter jets before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
—Steven Erlanger, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2023
Burning Man’s ten principles—radical inclusion, gifting, decommodification, radical self-reliance, radical self-expression, communal effort, civic responsibility, leaving no trace, participation, and immediacy—are not exclusive to a late-August party in Nevada capped by ritual conflagrations.
—Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2023
His story of self-reliance and achieving such greatness is inspiring.
—Grace Lordan, Fortune, 13 Sep. 2023
What most Burners know — and what’s probably lost to the outside world amid the hyperbole of drug use and dusty dancing — is that the event is a major test of self-reliance.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 8 Sep. 2023
On top of that, rules intended to require radical self-reliance can hobble green efforts.
—Alden Wicker, WIRED, 7 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-reliance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1668, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near self-reliance
Cite this Entry
“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-reliance. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
self-reliance
noun
self-re·li·ance
ˌsel-fri-ˈlī-ənts
: trust in one's own efforts and abilities
self-reliant
adjective
-ənt
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