SELF-ACTUALIZATION Synonyms: 32 Similar Words

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

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

These kids have their run of the island, and there’s ample sun and boats, booze and pot, old friends and new ones at the ready whenever Annie’s journey of self-discovery gets too heavy.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
In this reading the treasure represents untapped potential, personal growth, or self-discovery.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 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

One plays on the name of the crew’s hangout, Hamburger Hamlet, drawing Murphy-ish parallels between the characters and Shakespeare’s tragic personages that are so overwrought, they can’t be salvaged by self-awareness.

— Judy Berman, Time, 5 Aug. 2026
The gap between our intentions and observable behavior, and the self-awareness gap.

— Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of self-awareness

Noun

Concepts like a recurring conversation with a sibling, a habit picked up during a mundane after-school job, or a small mistake that took months to fully understand can be inroads to genuine self-reflection and creative expression.

— Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
In fact, Perez has never shied from self-reflection, speaking openly about his weight struggles and parenting challenges, sharing his hair-loss journey, and the trials and tribulations of several cross-country moves.

— Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of self-reflection

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self-acting

self-actualization

self-actualizations

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“Self-actualization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-actualization. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-actualization

noun

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