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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Recent Examples of self-reliance
When the family moved from Ohio after his freshman year, Klugo’s self-reliance helped elevate the tennis team.
—
Liana Handler
follow,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
As America celebrates 250 years, the West's vast landscape sets a stunning backdrop for the nation's history of expansion, self-reliance and opportunity.
—
Alia Beard Rau,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
However, kids need to be challenged in order to develop the skills, tenacity, grit, and self-reliance needed to (eventually) function in the world on their own.
—
Alanna Gallo,
Parents,
2 June 2026
That type of self-reliance and rugged individualism — as different as everybody is, most Americans have some belief in that idea.
—
Charley Crockett,
Rolling Stone,
19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Liana Handler
follow,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
As America celebrates 250 years, the West's vast landscape sets a stunning backdrop for the nation's history of expansion, self-reliance and opportunity.
—
Alia Beard Rau,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
However, kids need to be challenged in order to develop the skills, tenacity, grit, and self-reliance needed to (eventually) function in the world on their own.
—
Alanna Gallo,
Parents,
2 June 2026
That type of self-reliance and rugged individualism — as different as everybody is, most Americans have some belief in that idea.
—
Charley Crockett,
Rolling Stone,
19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-reliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-reliance
Noun
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Unlike the 13 colonies that declared independence from Britain, both Florida colonies remained loyal to the British Crown throughout the American Revolution, according to historian and author Mike Bunn.
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The marker commemorates those who fought for independence in the Revolutionary War.
Noun
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The First Amendment prohibits such an assault on Gateway's religious autonomy and freedom.
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Any other solution, even one motivated by a desire to protect your guests from harm, cannot avoid also looking like an intrusion into personal autonomy and a negative judgment on character.
Noun
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Building proprietary silicon takes years of engineering iteration before a company reaches anything close to self-sufficiency, and the clearest proof is the company furthest along.
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The surge in popularity is driven for a desire for self-sufficiency, supplemental income, and access to fresh food, according to the home garden magazine.
Cite this Entry
“Self-reliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-reliance. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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