as in independence
the ability to care for one's self
self-sufficiency is a goal that all teenagers should work towards
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-sufficiency
Moreover, Harry, like Brooklyn, wanted to establish his own identity and path to financial self-sufficiency.
—
Martha Ross, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026
There’s a clear distinction between healthy self-sufficiency and toxic independence, says Yasmine Saad, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder and CEO of Madison Park Psychological Services in New York City.
—Michele Ross, SELF, 19 Jan. 2026
Those lessons instilled in him a value system focused on care, family and self-sufficiency.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
This means both rapid, flexible investments to address urgent humanitarian needs and sustainable support for civil society and markets to help transition from assistance to self-sufficiency.
—Ciaran Donnelly, Time, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-sufficiency
Martha Ross, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026
There’s a clear distinction between healthy self-sufficiency and toxic independence, says Yasmine Saad, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder and CEO of Madison Park Psychological Services in New York City.
—Michele Ross, SELF, 19 Jan. 2026
Those lessons instilled in him a value system focused on care, family and self-sufficiency.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
This means both rapid, flexible investments to address urgent humanitarian needs and sustainable support for civil society and markets to help transition from assistance to self-sufficiency.
—Ciaran Donnelly, Time, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-sufficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-sufficiency
Noun
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Experts recommend a mix of technology and regular check-ins to balance safety and independence for elderly relatives.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
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Accusations of politicization at DOJ For decades, the Justice Department has enjoyed a degree of independence from the White House, particularly in investigations and prosecutions, to insulate them from partisan politics.—
Elena Moore,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Such steps would enhance the autonomy and productive capacity of Cuba’s private sector, including farm cooperatives, many of which have the title to their land.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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One pressing issue is the need to protect and expand reproductive autonomy while also addressing the full continuum of Black women’s health.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Encourage self-reliance by giving your child plenty of opportunities to explore without being overly supervised.—
Alanna Gallo,
Parents,
7 Feb. 2026
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At the same time, financial pressures force you to be realistic, requiring clearer boundaries around spending, worth and self-reliance.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-sufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-sufficiency. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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