SELF-RELIANT Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

self-reliant

adjective

ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənt

Definition of self-reliant next

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 Aatmanirbhar Bharat, meaning self-reliant India, is a key policy for Modi aimed at transforming the country into one that’s no longer dependent on the outside world for technology and manufacturing. —

Aishwarya S Iyer, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026 The spending is based on forecasts that imports will continue to grow faster than the US economy as a whole, and that Trump’s push to make America more self-reliant won’t change that. —

Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026 Matthew Fox, the Golden Globe-winning star of Lost (2004–2010), will play Paul, who's characterized as an outdoorsman and self-reliant bachelor. —

Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Jan. 2026 Another big driver of the surplus is China’s relatively low imports as Beijing pushes for an economy that’s self-reliant. —

Diane Brady, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-reliant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliant

independent

Adjective

Take control of your money with CNBC Select CNBC Select is editorially independent and may earn a commission from affiliate partners on links.

— Mike Winters, CNBC, 3 May 2026
And as independent fishermen, that's very difficult.

— Da Lin, CBS News, 3 May 2026