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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Recent Examples of self-reliance
Now that period has given way to one of nationalism and self-reliance, which means promoting China’s own companies, products, technologies—and universities.
—
Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 14 June 2025
Despite the rhetoric on economic self-reliance, both the U.S. and China have much to lose from a prolonged trade war.
—Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Friday on the Telegram social network that his government would act preemptively to establish self-reliance in response to exhortations by Thai nationalists to cut off electricity and internet connectivity to Cambodia.
—Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Meanwhile, with Saturn — the planet of structure, discipline, boundaries and karma — transiting the early degrees of Aries, we are collectively challenged to take responsibility for our actions, which simultaneously teaches us patience and self-reliance.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 14 June 2025
Despite the rhetoric on economic self-reliance, both the U.S. and China have much to lose from a prolonged trade war.
—Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Friday on the Telegram social network that his government would act preemptively to establish self-reliance in response to exhortations by Thai nationalists to cut off electricity and internet connectivity to Cambodia.
—Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Meanwhile, with Saturn — the planet of structure, discipline, boundaries and karma — transiting the early degrees of Aries, we are collectively challenged to take responsibility for our actions, which simultaneously teaches us patience and self-reliance.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance
Noun
-
Ada’s arc has been one of growing independence in baby steps: getting married, having the means to stand up to her sister.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
23 June 2025
-
South Sudan endured a bloody years-long civil war shortly after gaining independence in 2011, and the United Nations warns violence has escalated in recent months.—
June 23,
CBS News,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
Acknowledging employee efforts and offering more autonomy.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
-
Yet polls show that most of the 23 million people who live in Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, favor the status quo of autonomy.—
Ann Scott Tyson,
Christian Science Monitor,
19 June 2025
Noun
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With Mercury retrograde in your sign starting on the 15th, old fears around your self-sufficiency might be resurfacing.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
-
Today, this 42-year-old is 54 pounds lighter, with a diet of more produce and natural foods from the environment, settled into a move back to her hometown and embarked on a new business focused on recovery through self-sufficiency.—
Sarah Kyrcz,
Hartford Courant,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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