as in independence
the ability to care for one's self
encouraged her children to develop self-dependence at a relatively early age a level of self-dependence rarely seen in teens
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Recent Examples of self-dependence
As Locke put it in his essay, this was a period of renewal, of self-respect, and of self-dependence among Black people.
—
Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Feb. 2024
Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Feb. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-dependence
Noun
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In some countries, their recent liberation from imperial rule (The Philippines, Iran, Morocco, among others), tinged the era with eagerness for a future defined by independence.—
Diana Arterian,
Literary Hub,
15 Jan. 2026
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Several former heads of the central bank have come out against the move, characterizing it as an attempt to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve, which is authorized by Congress to set monetary policy independent of the President's wishes.—
Time,
Time,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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McDaniel could have autonomy over Philadelphia’s offense and build a career at a place that’s been a springboard during the past decade.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2026
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As legal risks grow, so does their determination to protect access and bodily autonomy.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-dependence. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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