as in independent
able to take care of oneself or itself without outside help
a surprisingly calm and self-reliant child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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-reliant
At the same time, independently overcoming obstacles at any level helps form more confident, self-reliant employees.
—
Andrea Vargas, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
The researchers found that, across all societies, self-reliant strategies (deliberation, especially, followed by intuition) were the most popular.
—New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2025
Private river frontage, creeks, springs, and senior water rights make the ranch entirely self-reliant—no outside feed required.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2025
Born in 1951, Knowles remembers his childhood in Russell City and describes a vigilant and self-reliant community.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-reliant
Andrea Vargas, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
The researchers found that, across all societies, self-reliant strategies (deliberation, especially, followed by intuition) were the most popular.
—New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2025
Private river frontage, creeks, springs, and senior water rights make the ranch entirely self-reliant—no outside feed required.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2025
Born in 1951, Knowles remembers his childhood in Russell City and describes a vigilant and self-reliant community.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-reliant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliant
independent
Adjective
-
To have a chance at winning in November, a Democratic candidate will need to draw independent voters and sway on the fence Republicans, in addition rallying Democrats, Rottinghaus said.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Though most sightings can be identified as planes, balloons, drones and weather events, the independent group says more sophisticated scientific research is needed, along with efforts to remove the stigma of reporting UFOs (sorry, UAP).—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-reliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliant. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share