self-actualization

noun

as in self-realization
formal the process of fully developing and using your abilities

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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-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
  1. self-realization
  2. self-fulfillment
  3. self-discovery
  4. self-exploration
  5. introspection
  6. self-awareness
  7. self-reflection
Noun
  • Stories based in this more complex reality of access are not always heroes’ journeys, marked with clear protagonists and moments of self-realization.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The result is a strikingly original and surprisingly moving tale of self-realization.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 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
  • In that closing line, there’s a detectable sense of trepidation regarding self-discovery.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The docs lineup includes stories of self-discovery, family ties and the search for belonging.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of self-discovery
Noun
  • Beyond Culture is also currently developing a namesake series — a reality-documentary hybrid that takes artists and cultural figures beyond persona and into radical self-exploration.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
  • In Linklater’s eyes, college symbolizes a fount of opportunity, a place where people can reinvent themselves, try on different identities, and embrace self-exploration.
    — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of self-exploration
Noun
  • It’s all been replaced with a great sense of humility and introspection spread across little more than half an hour.
    — Jason Pettigrew, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Playing Sebastian, however, required a different kind of introspection.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of introspection
Noun
  • Leaders with high self-awareness, meaning those whose self-assessment closely matched how others experienced them, consistently delivered stronger team and organizational outcomes.
    — Aurelien Mangano, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • With case rates climbing in that age bracket, self-awareness is the frontline tool.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of self-awareness
Noun
  • Later in life, Schwam created Humanity 101, an initiative of Arizona State University’s Project Humanities, promoting the values of compassion, empathy, forgiveness, integrity, kindness, respect and self-reflection.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026
  • From there, Shaikh began to challenge Daniel on his Islamist views and to guide him toward self-reflection and accountability.
    — Jeff Winter, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of self-reflection

Browse Nearby Words

self-acting
self-actualization
self-actualizations
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Cite this Entry

“Self-actualization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-actualization. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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