as in independent
able to take care of oneself or itself without outside help
the college student worked nights so that he would be self-sufficient
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Recent Examples of self-sufficient
Through the centuries, the watchtowers evolved into self-sufficient villages that grew crops, raised sheep and housed farmers.
—
Aileen Weintraub, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2025
Becoming self-sufficient in every area is surplus to requirements.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
In 2023, Boosie began constructing four one- and two-bedroom homes in a small complex on the property for his kids to live in and learn to be responsible and self-sufficient.
—Makena Gera, People.com, 17 July 2025
There’s a growing group of modern-day families choosing to leave the materialistic world behind and become homesteaders—off the land and completely self-sufficient.
—Megan Margulies, Outside Online, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-sufficient
Aileen Weintraub, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2025
Becoming self-sufficient in every area is surplus to requirements.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
In 2023, Boosie began constructing four one- and two-bedroom homes in a small complex on the property for his kids to live in and learn to be responsible and self-sufficient.
—Makena Gera, People.com, 17 July 2025
There’s a growing group of modern-day families choosing to leave the materialistic world behind and become homesteaders—off the land and completely self-sufficient.
—Megan Margulies, Outside Online, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-sufficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-sufficient
independent
Adjective
-
In the absence of independent monitoring on the ground, the ministry is the primary source for casualty data relied upon by humanitarian groups, journalists, and international bodies.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
7 Aug. 2025
-
With more than two decades of experience, Rodriguez advises studios, streamers and independent producers on how to effectively position and market projects to diverse global audiences.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-sufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-sufficient. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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