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
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Recent Examples of self-reliance
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
Using her magic broom, Kiki opens a flying courier service and begins to experience both the satisfaction and the difficulties of independence and self-reliance.
—Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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
Using her magic broom, Kiki opens a flying courier service and begins to experience both the satisfaction and the difficulties of independence and self-reliance.
—Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance
Noun
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As Europe races toward energy independence, this facility could become a primary feeder for a pipeline network meant to power the continent’s heavy industry.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
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The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Two anonymous trans residents sued Kansas last month, arguing that the law violates state protections for personal autonomy, privacy, equality, due process and freedom of speech.—
Jo Yurcaba,
NBC news,
11 Mar. 2026
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The long history of military AI Weapons with some degree of autonomy have been used in war for well over a century.—
Jon R. Lindsay,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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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 15 Mar. 2026.
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