SELF-SUFFICIENCY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

self-sufficiency

noun

ˌself-sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē

Definition of self-sufficiency

as in independence

the ability to care for one's self self-sufficiency is a goal that all teenagers should work towards

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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-sufficiency 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. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026 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. — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 The supply of properties that check all these boxes — functional ranch infrastructure, winery entitlements, the land and water profile that makes genuine self-sufficiency possible — is finite in ways that new construction can’t solve. — Lindsey Harn, Fortune, 6 June 2026 The building integrates perlite insulation, timber balcony structures, 500 sq m (5,400 sq ft) of photovoltaic panels, and a hybrid gas/heat pump system by Atlantic Systèmes, achieving around 60% energy self-sufficiency in compliance with France's RE2020 2025 [green building] targets. — Adam Williams may 28, New Atlas, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-sufficiency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-sufficiency

Noun

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.

— Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
The marker commemorates those who fought for independence in the Revolutionary War.

— Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

Definition of independence

Noun

Unlike physical aggression, coercive control operates through monitoring, intimidation, isolation, guilt and restrictions on a partner’s autonomy.

— Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026
Today, Tibet retains autonomy but remains under political, military, and administrative control from China.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026

Definition of autonomy

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self-subsisting

self-sufficiency

self-sufficient

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“Self-sufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-sufficiency. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-sufficiency

noun

Example Sentences

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