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
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-sufficient
The number one also means the opportunity to foster a self-sufficient lifestyle that harnesses your unique and inventive sentiments.
—
Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
Our teen protagonist Spike (Alfie Williams) has ditched the self-sufficient survivor community on an island off the coast of Northumberland, England, only to find himself at the behest of Sir Jimmy’s satanic appetite for torture.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 16 Jan. 2026
This is especially true for people who learned early in life that being emotionally self-sufficient was safer than relying on others.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
With solar panels included, the tiny house becomes a self-sufficient micro-home, ready to roam wherever your adventures lead.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-sufficient
Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
Our teen protagonist Spike (Alfie Williams) has ditched the self-sufficient survivor community on an island off the coast of Northumberland, England, only to find himself at the behest of Sir Jimmy’s satanic appetite for torture.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 16 Jan. 2026
This is especially true for people who learned early in life that being emotionally self-sufficient was safer than relying on others.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
With solar panels included, the tiny house becomes a self-sufficient micro-home, ready to roam wherever your adventures lead.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-sufficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-sufficient
independent
Adjective
-
The fallout from the files has consumed much of the news media in recent weeks, dominating headlines and coverage at major news institutions as journalists and independent creators dig through the files for embarrassing nuggets of association about high-profile individuals.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Confirming independent biological signatures.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-sufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-sufficient. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
