SELF-RELIANCE Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

self-reliance

noun

ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənts

Definition of self-reliance

as in independence

the ability to care for one's self some people don't achieve self-reliance until they're over 30 years old

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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-reliance The music superstar grew up steeped in the ethic of self-reliance. — George F. Will, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2026 Traditional ideas about masculinity continue to prize self-reliance, emotional control, and endurance. — Rachel Docekal, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026 So, lacking any clear, unambiguous guidance on the future of V2X networks, autonomous-car makers—like Waymo, Tesla, Zoox, and Cruise—have leaned more on self-reliance, bulking up each vehicle with as many sensors and GPUs as possible. — IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2026 On the other hand, this forced self-reliance has actually made WP Engine a safer, more stable environment for enterprise clients. — Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-reliance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance

Noun

The agreement would still apply if Greenland eventually chooses independence.

— FARNOUSH AMIRI, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
The deal also requires the creation of a board to ensure the editorial independence of CNN and CBS News.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of independence

Noun

The incidents have raised questions about the safeguards needed as AI agents gain greater autonomy and access to the internet and computer systems.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
The North Carolina operation also connected autonomy with regional healthcare logistics.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of autonomy

Noun

China’s chip self-sufficiency rate reached roughly 70% by production volume in June, compared with 38% in January 2010, according to Goldman.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Their goals are to improve the well being of children while promoting family unification, and to assist families to achieve economic and social self-sufficiency.

— News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of self-sufficiency

Browse Nearby Words

self-regulating

self-reliance

self-reliant

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“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-reliance

noun

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