as in self-realization
formal
the process of fully developing and using your abilities
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Recent Examples of self-actualization
These stories reveal how movement, both literal and metaphorical, can propel the ongoing work of self-actualization.
—
Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 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
Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 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
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Leaving, at the time, was seen as a temporary sacrifice, something connected to work and supporting a family, not to self-realization.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Taking the main character’s famous journey of self-realization every night.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
21 Dec. 2025
Noun
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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
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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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The film casts their lives as a testament to the power of science and paints discovery as the ultimate act of self-discovery.—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Feb. 2026
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Building on themes of self-discovery, Myat said her runway will feature models walking around, with one encased in a box made from sugar glass.—
Violet Goldstone,
Footwear News,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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That sets Charli off on a bit of self-exploration and a reunion with her childhood friend Nel (Lena Góra).—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
11 Feb. 2026
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Its red rock buttes are said to house mysterious cosmic forces conducive to healing and self-exploration.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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As the 2025 season neared its end and Verlander’s San Francisco Giants fell from competition, the future Hall of Fame pitcher confronted increasingly common moments of introspection.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
13 Feb. 2026
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But new research suggests that endorphins aren’t to thank for bliss, euphoria, and introspection.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Besides, the fact that the characters can articulate with clarity their own needs, desires, shortcomings, and successes creates an illusion of perfect self-awareness.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2026
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And Salieri seems more of hybrid creature, as though a villain out of Christopher Marlowe had suddenly been endowed with Shakespearean self-awareness.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Its release coincides with the start of the Christian season of Lent, a period of repentance, self-reflection and resistance to temptation.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
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The holiday marks the start of Lent, which is the 40-day period of fasting, prayer and self-reflection leading up to Easter.—
Christina Fan,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-actualization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-actualization. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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