as in self-exploration
the act or process of gaining knowledge or understanding of your abilities, character, and feelings
She was on a voyage of self-discovery.
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Recent Examples of self-discovery
For many fans — including plenty in the audience with neon green or pink hair — dyeing your own hair at home is part of self-discovery.
—
Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
Ethan is on a path of self-discovery.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
Girl Talk What could be remembered as a beautiful episode of self-discovery for Taylor is sabotaged by Dakota’s Machiavellian behavior.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
The tween years are a time of big emotions and self-discovery, and shows that reflect this can help kids feel seen and understood.
—Anna Earl, Parents, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-discovery
Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
Ethan is on a path of self-discovery.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
Girl Talk What could be remembered as a beautiful episode of self-discovery for Taylor is sabotaged by Dakota’s Machiavellian behavior.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
The tween years are a time of big emotions and self-discovery, and shows that reflect this can help kids feel seen and understood.
—Anna Earl, Parents, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-discovery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-discovery
- self-exploration
- self-realization
- self-actualization
- introspection
- meditation
- self-fulfillment
- soul-searching
- self-reflection
Noun
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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
-
After a whole lot of angst and self-exploration.—
Tina Eves,
SPIN,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Post vague quotes about self-realization that are universal but ultimately mean nothing.—
Emily Menez,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
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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
-
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
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His sociopathy is the logical extension of a homicidal ethos of self-actualization, self-realization, and self-care.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
McLarty and Walker shift from depressive introspection to giggling reminiscences.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
4 May 2026
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The color symbolizes introspection, mental clarity, tranquility, open communication, and compassion.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Studies have shown that meditation can help lower blood pressure, boost immunity, improve sleep, and slow memory loss.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
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Over the course of the day and evening, old secrets, resentments, and regrets bubble up to the surface and Altman crafts a devastating meditation on memory, identity, and the necessity as well as the danger of a vivid fantasy life.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
1 May 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
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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
-
Barnes met Imam in a moment of soul-searching.—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
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But thankfully, Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are spared any such soul-searching.—
Lindsey Bahr,
Chicago Tribune,
2 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-discovery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-discovery. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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