self-reliance

noun

ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənts How to pronounce self-reliance (audio)
Definition of self-reliancenext
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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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 This need for self-reliance can often be most pronounced when things go wrong. — Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Rising oil prices and fuel shortages have spurred calls for Africa to move toward greater self-reliance. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 6 July 2026 Some exercises create a feeling of power, achievement and self-reliance that's incredibly motivating. — Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 5 July 2026 Indonesia views the programme as a stepping stone towards long-term submarine self-reliance. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance
  1. independence
  2. autonomy
  3. self-sufficiency
Noun
  • One of the clearest examples of this promise is assistive robotics, where technology is being used to expand independence for people with disabilities.
    — Laila Burns, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • There are hills to die on for Notre Dame fans, like academics, independence, history, etc.
    — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of independence
Noun
  • Technologies completed the test with Shield AI’s Hivemind mission-autonomy software.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026
  • However, the fight for more consumer autonomy has emerged in the automotive industry as well.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 19 July 2026
Definition of autonomy
Noun
  • Life, people, and spirit teach us to replace self-interest and self-sufficiency with interdependency, service, and self-sacrifice.
    — Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026
  • This would combine additional transitional housing with best practices in drug & mental health treatment coupled with programs to foster self-sufficiency and gainful employment.
    — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
Definition of self-sufficiency

Browse Nearby Words

self-regulating
self-reliance
self-reliant
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Cite this Entry

“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of self-reliance for Spanish Speakers

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