SELF-SUBSISTENCE Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

self-subsistence

noun

Definition of self-subsistence

as in independence

the ability to care for one's self the goal of the program is to help these people achieve self-subsistence and to end their dependence on government aid

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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-subsistence Pavas were often worn by jibaros, which were rural residents who worked on the island as self-subsistence farmers. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-subsistence

Noun

Cyprus was split along ethnic lines in 1974, and Turkish Cypriots declared independence in 1983.

— Andrew Wilks, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Lewis admitted that the experience has impacted not only her independence but her confidence as well.

— Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of independence

Noun

Bareilles is mourning a few things — the deaths of close friends, dreams of easy fertility, assumptions of female autonomy, the American dream — but the music soars, more often than not.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026
Historically, the United States has sent mixed messages to Europeans, encouraging them to step up but then scolding them for seeking autonomy.

— JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of autonomy

Browse Nearby Words

self-starters

self-subsistence

self-subsistent

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“Self-subsistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-subsistence. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-subsistence

noun

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