self-reliant

adjective

self-re·​li·​ant ˌself-ri-ˈlī-ənt How to pronounce self-reliant (audio)
: having confidence in and exercising one's own powers or judgment

Examples of self-reliant in a Sentence

a surprisingly calm and self-reliant child
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Strong sense of self Great leaders are self-reliant, selfless, have a realistic view of the present and a comfortable relationship with it. Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 Overlanding is a form of self-reliant travel that involves adventuring to remote destinations, typically in a vehicle of some type. Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 21 June 2025 Uniqlo has been supporting the UNHCR for nearly 20 years in a variety of capacities: through emergency relief, by donating clothing, supporting refugees to become self-reliant, and by providing employment opportunities within Fast Retailing to refugees. Kelly Wetherille, Footwear News, 20 June 2025 The Founding Fathers believed that broad ownership of private property, especially land, was essential to sustaining a self-reliant citizenry. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-reliant

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-reliant was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Self-reliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-reliant. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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