SELF-DEPENDENCE Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

self-dependence

noun

ˌself-di-ˈpen-dən(t)s

Definition of self-dependence

as in independence

the ability to care for one's self encouraged her children to develop self-dependence at a relatively early age a level of self-dependence rarely seen in teens

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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-dependence As Locke put it in his essay, this was a period of renewal, of self-respect, and of self-dependence among Black people. — Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Feb. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-dependence

Noun

Cyprus was split along ethnic lines in 1974, and Turkish Cypriots declared independence in 1983.

— Andrew Wilks, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Lewis admitted that the experience has impacted not only her independence but her confidence as well.

— Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of independence

Noun

Bareilles is mourning a few things — the deaths of close friends, dreams of easy fertility, assumptions of female autonomy, the American dream — but the music soars, more often than not.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026
Historically, the United States has sent mixed messages to Europeans, encouraging them to step up but then scolding them for seeking autonomy.

— JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of autonomy

Browse Nearby Words

self-denying

self-dependence

self-dependent

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Self-dependence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-dependence. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of self-dependence

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes