SELF-CONTAINED Synonyms: 151 Similar and Opposite Words

self-contained

adjective

Definition of self-contained

as in independent

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

as in staid

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

as in self-sufficient

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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-contained Not separate, but self-contained, with their own rhythm of light, materiality, and silence. — Mary Holland, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2026 Elinor Dashwood is the epitome of Sense—self-contained, controlled, restrained. — Literary Hub, 8 June 2026 Gone is the sprawling period drama that traverses the 20th century as Louis pieces together the fragments of his memory while self-contained in a modern, minimalist, staid abode in present-day Dubai. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026 Trauma has left him dour and self-contained, as inaccessible to others as his childhood is to him. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-contained

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-contained

Adjective

Public reporting, independent audits and whistleblower protections should help expose political interference and enforce these safeguards.

— Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
However, the result has not yet undergone full independent academic review.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of independent

Adjective

Polls that seemed staid and reliable have since proved flagrantly inaccurate.

— Steven John, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2026
The double-height lobby is small but welcoming, and the two circular light fixtures that float in the upper regions of the space are a jaunty accent to the more staid expression of the building.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of staid

Adjective

The framework could work, Kuno suggests, if the aim is to create a network that links members’ strengths while staying plugged into global supply chains instead of building a self-sufficient bloc.

— Sam Beltran, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2026
Drawers built into the table hold extra silverware — a thoughtful way to keep your party self-sufficient and in the moment.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of self-sufficient

Adjective

Most of the principal recording was done in discrete booths, which gives us clean tracks that can be edited and spatially positioned in post-production.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026
The human vocal motor cortex comprises subregions that drive movements in discrete parts of the vocal tract, such as the tongue, jaw, and lips.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of discrete

Adjective

As Tuesday’s election barrels toward them, Becerra and Hilton traded barbs and barnstormed California in a relatively sedate race to succeed Democrat Gavin Newsom, who is wrapping up his final term as governor and considering a run for president.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
The high-wire act that followed—in which performers had to make these bland conceits into something funny without, ostensibly, preparing any jokes in advance—introduced a tension that made sketch shows feel sedate and uneven by comparison.

— Dan Brooks, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of sedate

Adjective

Rather than relying on separate mechanisms for navigating terrain and manipulating objects, the robots can use their flexible bodies and gripping claws to perform both functions.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
But Senate Republicans vented their frustrations in three separate meetings Tuesday after an election wipeout that cost them at least seven Senate seats.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of separate

Adjective

Jim Casey was an introverted man whose education ended with the seventh grade.

— Marc Levinson, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
On average, introverted people find social stimulation less rewarding, while extroverted people are more likely to benefit from social contact.

— Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026