as in independence
the ability to care for one's self
hopes to achieve full self-support within a year of graduating from college
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Recent Examples of self-support
And for the public, keep it to low-risk self-support — journaling prompts, CBT-style reflections and light coaching — wrapped in clear disclaimers and with instant handoffs to a human whenever risk appears.
—
John Samuels, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
But the idea of hiking the PCT self-supported has been percolating for about five years.
—Emily Lapointe, Outside Online, 1 May 2025
Dreyer intended to swim self-supported about 83 miles across Lake Michigan, an ultra-endurance feat expected to take at least 72 hours.
—Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2024
Since the self-support era, Tokyo has introduced at least one new plan a decade to improve rural development.
—Fritz Schumann, Foreign Affairs, 29 Mar. 2015
John Samuels, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
But the idea of hiking the PCT self-supported has been percolating for about five years.
—Emily Lapointe, Outside Online, 1 May 2025
Dreyer intended to swim self-supported about 83 miles across Lake Michigan, an ultra-endurance feat expected to take at least 72 hours.
—Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2024
Since the self-support era, Tokyo has introduced at least one new plan a decade to improve rural development.
—Fritz Schumann, Foreign Affairs, 29 Mar. 2015
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-support
Noun
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The craft seller at a roadside market is earning her independence.—
Daniel Scheffler,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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The trial and prosecution of Bolsonaro became a test for the independence of Brazilian judiciary, which did not buckle under domestic or international political pressure.—
Adriana Carranca,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The English song is inspired by ‘90s boom bap hip-hop, exuding the singer’s self-assurance, autonomy, and fearless nature.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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From Kerouac’s On the Road to Ridley Scott’s Thelma and Louise, the car has been our cultural shorthand for autonomy and escape.—
Henrietta Moore,
Fortune,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Instead of chasing personal brand deals or viral fame, these creators are sharing practical skills, rallying volunteers, and spreading the message of self-sufficiency and mutual support.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
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For the Dedinis, the practice of frog gigging is also a step toward self-sufficiency.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-support.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-support. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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