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

Just as bright, witty, and debauched as their namesake, this unique protagonist is on a path of self-discovery, gaining insight into not just their gender identity, but also their preternatural attraction to transgression and risk.

— Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026
The series follows a young Haitian man devoted to caring for his ailing grandmother who forms an unexpected connection with nursing instructor and is forced to confront the balance between love, family, responsibility and self-discovery.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 July 2026

Definition of self-discovery

Noun

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
That self-neglect resulted in a health challenge, which eventually led to Godfred reconnecting with her passion for poetry and self-exploration.

— Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026

Definition of self-exploration

Noun

Whether one’s priority in seeking coaching is to develop as a leader, foster self-awareness and accountability or gain fresh perspectives, an intentional search process backed by expert insight can make all the difference.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
This self-awareness on the part of the Clippers has tended to be a sticking point in certain negotiations.

— Law Murray, New York Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of self-awareness

Noun

McKinney emphasizes that true global leadership requires understanding how culture shapes decisions, self-reflection, and actively leveraging differences as a strategic asset.

— Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Just as the young woman is set to return to her hometown following the end of her postgraduate studies, a girl’s body is discovered there, unravelling painful memories of past trauma and sending Sofia through a pained process of self-reflection.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 9 July 2026

Definition of self-reflection

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self-actualization

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“Self-actualization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-actualization. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-actualization

noun

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