SELF-SUFFICIENCY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

self-sufficiency

noun

ˌself-sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē

Definition of self-sufficiency

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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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-sufficiency The self-sufficiency push comes as Nvidia’s market share in China has eroded owing to US export controls, with Huawei set to capture roughly 50% this year. — Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 7 July 2026 Beijing's energy self-sufficiency strategy stands out in this context. — Fernanda González, Wired News, 10 June 2026 The supply of properties that check all these boxes — functional ranch infrastructure, winery entitlements, the land and water profile that makes genuine self-sufficiency possible — is finite in ways that new construction can’t solve. — Lindsey Harn, Fortune, 6 June 2026 Taken as such, strategic autonomy is best seen as leverage and flexibility rather than self-sufficiency. — Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-sufficiency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-sufficiency

Noun

One of the clearest examples of this promise is assistive robotics, where technology is being used to expand independence for people with disabilities.

— Laila Burns, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
There are hills to die on for Notre Dame fans, like academics, independence, history, etc.

— Pete Sampson, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of independence

Noun

Shanahan already gives his defensive coordinators shocking autonomy.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
The filmmakers have conceived a world that is both funny and extreme, navigating themes of bodily autonomy for both males and females through the playful and the monstrous.

— William Earl, Variety, 25 July 2026

Definition of autonomy

Noun

With a focus on sustainability and self-reliance similar to that of SECMOL, the institute is a higher-education center that awards fellowships for work on climate-friendly innovations that benefit communities in Ladakh and other mountainous regions.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026
But her perspective is internet-era cosmopolitan; young but preternaturally wise about self-reliance.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of self-reliance

Browse Nearby Words

self-subsisting

self-sufficiency

self-sufficient

See all Nearby Words

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“Self-sufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-sufficiency. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-sufficiency

noun

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