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Synonyms

self-reliant

American  
[self-ri-lahy-uhnt, self-] / ˈsɛlf rɪˈlaɪ ənt, ˌsɛlf- /

adjective

  1. relying on oneself or on one's own powers, resources, etc.

    Synonyms:
    capable, resolute, enterprising, assured, independent

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of self-reliant

First recorded in 1840–50

Vocabulary lists containing self-reliant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Kim, for his part, has urged North Koreans to focus on building a self-reliant economy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 8, 2026

“It’s all very self-reliant farmers and ranchers out here. We don’t want any property tax.”

From Salon ● May 3, 2026

A vegetarian, he accused Banerjee's government of failing to make Bengal self-reliant in fish.

From BBC ● Apr. 20, 2026

The charity further states that it hopes, by providing children in the foster care system with a stable, comfortable environment, it will enable them to grow into “responsible, self-reliant adults.”

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 19, 2026

In all of this Joe grew continually stronger and ever more self-reliant.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown

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