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
Resembling the size and shape of a semi truck’s fuel tanker, it was designed to use seawater to cool itself and be largely self-sufficient once anchored to the seabed.
—
Frank Landymore, Futurism, 2 Apr. 2026
Next, researchers aim to test and integrate this system with other life-support technologies, moving closer to a fully self-sufficient habitat.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026
In December 2024, Colombia began to import gas on a massive scale after being self-sufficient for four decades, with critics saying that Petro had discouraged companies from launching new ventures in Colombia.
—ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026
Practically speaking, nobody is self-sufficient.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-sufficient
Frank Landymore, Futurism, 2 Apr. 2026
Next, researchers aim to test and integrate this system with other life-support technologies, moving closer to a fully self-sufficient habitat.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026
In December 2024, Colombia began to import gas on a massive scale after being self-sufficient for four decades, with critics saying that Petro had discouraged companies from launching new ventures in Colombia.
—ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026
Practically speaking, nobody is self-sufficient.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-sufficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-sufficient
independent
Adjective
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No candidate has drawn even 20% of voters’ support in independent polling.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
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But even a young woman struggling with the patriarchal conundrum of cool-girl syndrome (to be independent and accepted) might reveal more of a snappish turn of mind than Grace does.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-sufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-sufficient. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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