SELF-ACTUALIZATION Synonyms: 32 Similar Words

self-actualization

noun

as in self-realization

formal the process of fully developing and using your abilities

Related Words

Relevance

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-actualization That spirit was palpable in Demna’s debut show at Gucci, where self-concept and self-actualization seemed to come alive in a way that almost laughed at itself. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 The adaptation stars Ella Bruccoleri as the eponymous Mary, who goes on a voyage of self-actualization in London. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 30 Apr. 2026 His sociopathy is the logical extension of a homicidal ethos of self-actualization, self-realization, and self-care. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026 Gentle protagonists whose personal struggles with self-actualization end up activating the lives of others are, of course, familiar in the theater. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 Stephanie Ahn 1 hour 59 minutes Bedford Park, Stephanie Ahn’s poignant directorial debut, follows Audrey on her path toward something like self-actualization, sparked by a chance encounter with a similarly lonely soul. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-actualization

Noun

The result is a strikingly original and surprisingly moving tale of self-realization.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026
Leadership, in my view, is not defined by title or position, but by self-realization and inner discipline.

— Lintao "LT" Lu, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Definition of self-realization

Noun

But this is a Norman Lear comedy after all (his last before passing in late 2023) — so by the end of the first episode, the hilarious sitcom has revealed its true interest in acceptance, forgiveness, and self-fulfillment.

— Michael Cuby, Them., 17 Nov. 2025
And increasingly, women are choosing solitude and self-fulfillment over unsatisfying relationships.

— Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025

Definition of self-fulfillment

Noun

But Debbie will inevitably come into her own in that respect — this isn’t the first story in which the path to self-discovery runs through a field strewn with bodies.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Their friends support them through the challenges of young love, and many make their own self-discoveries about gender and sexuality along the way.

— Carrie Grant, The Conversation, 15 July 2026

Definition of self-discovery

Noun

Second, extended breaks from work—ideally more than two months, with four to six months as the ideal—are necessary to undergo a deeper journey of self-exploration.

— DJ Didonna, Time, 13 July 2026
Since there are very few existing sources of data like this, approaches like teleoperation, video analysis, motion capture of humans, and self-exploration in simulation and in the real world are all seen as important ways to collect data.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 20 May 2026

Definition of self-exploration

Noun

Leaders with curiosity who ask deeper questions, seek new perspectives and pause for introspection will be in great demand.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Then came Lyrics for Sanity and The Sunrise Project, on which Songer reached new levels of poetic introspection.

— Sam Davies, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2026

Definition of introspection

Noun

Leaders must be grounded in self-awareness and their influence, leaning into emotional intelligence and humility; recognizing that different styles shape how people show up amid many influences, good, bad and ugly.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Academic administrator Joe O’Shea studied gap years and found that gap year alumni return with greater confidence, self-awareness and readiness for their next steps.

— DJ Didonna, Time, 13 July 2026

Definition of self-awareness

Noun

Answering these questions takes time, effort, and thorough self-reflection, and a standout project simply cannot be rushed.

— Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Parents don’t need to feel guilty if their teens aren’t constantly busy—unstructured time can foster self-reflection and relaxation.

— Melissa Willets, Parents, 16 July 2026

Definition of self-reflection

Browse Nearby Words

self-acting

self-actualization

self-actualizations

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Self-actualization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-actualization. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of self-actualization

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

aerie

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes