as in independent
able to take care of oneself or itself without outside help
each new colony was expected to develop a self-sustained economy
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Recent Examples of self-sustained
The 24-hectare base is a large and self-sustained compound, according to 2023 U.S. military documents detailing the facilities.
—
Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Completely self-sustained, the brothers, Lotia writes in her book, are not just potters, but make a living as farmers as well.
—Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Completely self-sustained, the brothers, Lotia writes in her book, are not just potters, but make a living as farmers as well.
—Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-sustained
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-sustained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-sustained. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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