as in independence
the ability to care for one's self some people don't achieve self-reliance until they're over 30 years old

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of self-reliance Kouame emphasizes self-reliance, insisting that, backed by government investment in cultural endeavors, African companies can stand on their own feet, ensuring sustainable long-term growth. Essie Assibu, Variety, 24 June 2025 For decades, obtaining a driver’s license has been a cherished rite of passage for American teenagers, symbolizing a leap into independence and the freedom of self-reliance through mobility. Selika Josiah Talbott, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 Now that period has given way to one of nationalism and self-reliance, which means promoting China’s own companies, products, technologies—and universities. Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 14 June 2025 Despite the rhetoric on economic self-reliance, both the U.S. and China have much to lose from a prolonged trade war. Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance
Noun
  • One of its most disastrous legacies of the Partition is the dispute over the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, which erupted into a war between India and Pakistan soon after independence and left Kashmir divided between the two countries after a ceasefire.
    Sam Dalrymple, Time, 14 July 2025
  • Wednesday, July 23 Patriotic music: Musician Vincent Young will perform music celebrating 250 years of American independence at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 23.
    Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Amid rising arrest quotas and shifting enforcement policies, workers report living in fear, losing wages, and facing mounting pressure to surrender autonomy in exchange for continued employment.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • His campaign listed protecting Medicaid, reducing costs, not raising the national deficit, boosting small business growth and giving women autonomy over their health care decisions as McCann's other policy priorities.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • That change may leave many disabled individuals without the necessary time to achieve self-sufficiency.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
  • During a recent interview with Bustle magazine, Hudson opened about the importance of teaching her kids self-sufficiency.
    Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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