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
The new big rig essentially picks up where those two leave off, giving restless travelers a vessel for achieving their most ambitious dream adventures – an off-road RV that's bigger, more capable and more self-sufficient than anything Winnebago offers currently, or has sold previously.
—
C.c. Weiss
may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026
This is one reason why a partner of someone with avoidant attachment may perceive their partner as emotionally unavailable, overly self-sufficient, detached or distant or resistant to commitment.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Securing a high-suction hybrid with a fully self-sufficient dock usually requires a thousand-dollar budget, but this Walmart deal brings elite automation into the midrange bracket.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 May 2026
Lilacs are relatively self-sufficient yet require some care and attention to maintain their vigor.
—Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-sufficient
C.c. Weiss
may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026
This is one reason why a partner of someone with avoidant attachment may perceive their partner as emotionally unavailable, overly self-sufficient, detached or distant or resistant to commitment.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Securing a high-suction hybrid with a fully self-sufficient dock usually requires a thousand-dollar budget, but this Walmart deal brings elite automation into the midrange bracket.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 May 2026
Lilacs are relatively self-sufficient yet require some care and attention to maintain their vigor.
—Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-sufficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-sufficient
independent
Adjective
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Cepeda has advocated for a more independent foreign policy and greater Latin American integration, while right-wing candidates Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia have argued for closer alignment with Washington on security and economic issues.—
Sebastian Jimenez,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
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Local businesses, such as independent coffee shops, small law or accounting firms, boutique fitness studios, and neighborhood landscaping companies, often have job openings.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-sufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-sufficient. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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