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

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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 Tongue-in-cheek humor aside, Stoke’s target consumer is proud to be an American, and is also a family man who values hard work and self-reliance. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025 Radical self-reliance is a key tenet of Burning Man. Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025 Over the years Philippine counter-trafficking projects have found some ways to increase financial self-reliance, for instance by starting fair trade farming projects. Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Our love for independence and self-reliance cannot help but be synchronous with loneliness. Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance
Noun
  • The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Traditional narratives obscure the role slavery might have played in Texas’ drive for independence and portray the Alamo’s defenders as freedom fighters.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Paz favored gradual reform, including tax incentives for small businesses and regional fiscal autonomy, while Quiroga proposed sweeping cuts and an IMF bailout.
    Reuters 3 min ago, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Idaho lawmakers and advocates have stressed that their goals are bodily autonomy and informed choice.
    Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • However, as China ruthlessly pursues independent innovation, domestic substitution of imports has become a policy priority to ensure tech self-sufficiency in critical industries.
    Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Mexico offers a relatively easy path to long-term residency for Americans who can prove financial self-sufficiency.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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