as in independent
able to take care of oneself or itself without outside help
a surprisingly calm and self-reliant child
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Recent Examples of self-reliant
Born on a New York farm in 1821, Youmans didn’t come from a notable family or attend elite schools —his name even derives from yeoman, a self-reliant commoner.
—
Sabrina Schaeffer, Oc Register, 4 July 2025
With ample resources to mine and refine within its own borders, the United States has the capacity to become more self-reliant with respect to critical metals, including rare earths.
—Damien Ma, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025
Strong sense of self Great leaders are self-reliant, selfless, have a realistic view of the present and a comfortable relationship with it.
—Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Uniqlo has been supporting the UNHCR for nearly 20 years in a variety of capacities: through emergency relief, by donating clothing, supporting refugees to become self-reliant, and by providing employment opportunities within Fast Retailing to refugees.
—Kelly Wetherille, Footwear News, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-reliant
Sabrina Schaeffer, Oc Register, 4 July 2025
With ample resources to mine and refine within its own borders, the United States has the capacity to become more self-reliant with respect to critical metals, including rare earths.
—Damien Ma, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025
Strong sense of self Great leaders are self-reliant, selfless, have a realistic view of the present and a comfortable relationship with it.
—Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Uniqlo has been supporting the UNHCR for nearly 20 years in a variety of capacities: through emergency relief, by donating clothing, supporting refugees to become self-reliant, and by providing employment opportunities within Fast Retailing to refugees.
—Kelly Wetherille, Footwear News, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-reliant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliant
independent
Adjective
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President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 37%, according to a new Gallup poll, the lowest mark of his second term as independent voters have increasingly soured on his presidency.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
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On July 22, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed controversial legislation that would de facto place the country’s independent anti-corruption bodies under government control.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-reliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliant. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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