as in self-realization
formal
the process of fully developing and using your abilities
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Recent Examples of self-actualization
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
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
- self-realization
- self-fulfillment
- self-discovery
- self-exploration
- introspection
- self-awareness
- self-reflection
Noun
-
Post vague quotes about self-realization that are universal but ultimately mean nothing.—
Emily Menez,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
-
His experiment in self-realization put him in a long line of spiritual seekers, and like innumerable young persons in every generation, he was actively engaged in evolving a design for living, drawing from sources near to and farther from home.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
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
Noun
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Hsu shines as Janet, whose trip to the castle inspires a self-discovery journey that evolves from wide-eyed, tightly wound innocence to brash confidence.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
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What begins as a secret fling between two rookies evolves into a years-long journey of love, denial and self-discovery.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
After a whole lot of angst and self-exploration.—
Tina Eves,
SPIN,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The exploration of others is simultaneously a self-exploration.—
Tim Brinkhof,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But these flexes are buoyed by wistful introspection.—
Harry Thorfinn-George,
Pitchfork,
27 Apr. 2026
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Every Male Actor Gets A Role WWII movies are a hard genre to stand out in, but Malick succeeds through introspection, inspired by the novel’s study of character amidst brutal chaos.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Explore philosophies that give you better self-awareness.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
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Ultimately, by prioritizing patient involvement, encouraging clinician self-awareness, and maintaining openness in relationships, Malloy and EM Psych show a pathway where scale and connection can develop in parallel.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Everyone experiences moments of existential despair, when one bad day or cataclysmic event sends you into a headspace that’s some combination of panic and self-reflection.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
3 May 2026
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In the meantime, amid the music, classes, and self-reflection, Bistline is building herself back one step at a time.—
Elizabeth Yuko,
Rolling Stone,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-actualization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-actualization. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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