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
  • 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
  • In this reading the treasure represents untapped potential, personal growth, or self-discovery.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
  • Thus began a cathartic, multi-year journey of self-discovery that Maddox chronicles in her documentary.
    — Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 22 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
  • Ultimately, the film underscores that genuine growth requires honest self-awareness and the willingness to confront the gap between self-perception and reality—a challenge many leaders face.
    — Dr. Samantha Madhosingh, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • At the same time, Jupiter’s opposition to Pluto retrograde reminds us that ambition without self-awareness can inevitably cloud our judgment, tempting us to overextend ourselves in the relentless pursuit of success.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
Definition of self-awareness
Noun
  • Organizational self-reflection will always lead to progress when paired with a willingness to improve.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 28 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
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Cite this Entry

“Self-actualization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-actualization. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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