SELF-REALIZATION Synonyms: 32 Similar Words

self-realization

noun

Definition of self-realization

as in self-actualization

the act of achieving the full development of your abilities and talents Work is often a means of self-realization.

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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-realization 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 His sociopathy is the logical extension of a homicidal ethos of self-actualization, self-realization, and self-care. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026 Sincerity is the path to self-realization in Rousseau’s political philosophy, according to political science professor Arthur Melzer. — Kenneth Andrew Andres Leonardo, The Conversation, 6 Mar. 2026 Leaving, at the time, was seen as a temporary sacrifice, something connected to work and supporting a family, not to self-realization. — Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-realization

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-realization

Noun

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

Definition of self-actualization

Noun

But Debbie will inevitably come into her own in that respect — this isn’t the first story in which the path to self-discovery runs through a field strewn with bodies.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Their friends support them through the challenges of young love, and many make their own self-discoveries about gender and sexuality along the way.

— Carrie Grant, The Conversation, 15 July 2026

Definition of self-discovery

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

And the urgency of Judar’s meditations on authoritarianism, impunity, social repression, and avenues for liberation in the United States in 2026 is so clear as to be self-evident.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
Newkirk, a political organizer and meditation teacher, struggled to rally local progressives around his campaign.

— Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of meditation

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

The gallery, which connects the Apollo Rotunda and the Salon Carré, will serve as a space for strolling and contemplation within the museum, according to the release.

— Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 22 July 2026
May talked about her gender but also what sounded like contemplations of self-harm.

— Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 18 July 2026

Definition of contemplation

Noun

Answering these questions takes time, effort, and thorough self-reflection, and a standout project simply cannot be rushed.

— Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 20 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

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“Self-realization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-realization. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-realization

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