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

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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 Their source was the collective enthusiasm of a population that had gone into revolution—a revolution forming committees of social self-reliance in every field. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 The music superstar grew up steeped in the ethic of self-reliance. — George F. Will, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2026 Traditional ideas about masculinity continue to prize self-reliance, emotional control, and endurance. — Rachel Docekal, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026 So, lacking any clear, unambiguous guidance on the future of V2X networks, autonomous-car makers—like Waymo, Tesla, Zoox, and Cruise—have leaned more on self-reliance, bulking up each vehicle with as many sensors and GPUs as possible. — IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance
Noun
  • Bringing these creative brands together, giving producers access to a broader pool of talent, IP and resources, while preserving their independence is what differentiates Mediawan.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The higher the required SIL, the greater the required risk reduction and the more demanding the design, verification and independence of the safety function.
    — Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The company’s longer-term ambition, however, is to evolve from a supplier of reconnaissance technology into a multi-domain defense autonomy business with international reach.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Groups opposed to the charity's curriculum say Palestinians are being stripped of their autonomy in deciding what to teach their children.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • North Americans also have access to cutting-edge technologies, abundant financial capital, energy self-sufficiency, and the capacity to expand their production of oil, gas, and renewables.
    — Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The Whole Earth Catalog, founded by writer and editor Stewart Brand, promoted ecological knowledge and self-sufficiency, but was still a compendium of things to buy.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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