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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Coping mechanisms Participants described self-reliance as essential to coping with incarceration and life after release.
—
Helena Addison, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2026
The practice is designed to teach children responsibility, confidence, and self-reliance.
—Katrina Donham, Parents, 25 Feb. 2026
Others describe chances for self-reliance or self-reflection.
—Rainesford Stauffer, Time, 25 Feb. 2026
While some post-emancipation Black leaders backed social integration, author, orator and educator Washington, the first leader of the Tuskegee Institute, urged self-reliance.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Helena Addison, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2026
The practice is designed to teach children responsibility, confidence, and self-reliance.
—Katrina Donham, Parents, 25 Feb. 2026
Others describe chances for self-reliance or self-reflection.
—Rainesford Stauffer, Time, 25 Feb. 2026
While some post-emancipation Black leaders backed social integration, author, orator and educator Washington, the first leader of the Tuskegee Institute, urged self-reliance.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance
Noun
-
The crisis transformed the American auto market, making smaller foreign cars like Toyotas and Datsuns permanent fixtures and prompting the shift toward energy independence.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2026
-
In 2026, the vibrant celebration of Mexican independence and culture will still take over parts of Civic Center, while shutting down Broadway just east of the park.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Attendees could watch autonomy in action and ride in the company’s new SUV, the R2 — all right in Tesla’s backyard.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Mar. 2026
-
The other important factor here is that autonomy increases the possible volume of military strikes.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Since the revolution, the regime’s economic policy has focused on self-sufficiency while working to gain access to global markets.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Leaders see it as a community meant to provide an affordable, longterm place to live to help families reach self-sufficiency and stability.—
Lilly Kersh,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
