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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Recent Examples of self-realization
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
Taking the main character’s famous journey of self-realization every night.
—Kansas City Star, 21 Dec. 2025
Although that self-realization is timeless, Roder cannily positions it to speak to contemporary times.
—Stephen Saito, Variety, 23 Nov. 2025
This isn’t some crytpic way of talking about what happens without spoiling it, about some sort of self-realization.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-realization
Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Taking the main character’s famous journey of self-realization every night.
—Kansas City Star, 21 Dec. 2025
Although that self-realization is timeless, Roder cannily positions it to speak to contemporary times.
—Stephen Saito, Variety, 23 Nov. 2025
This isn’t some crytpic way of talking about what happens without spoiling it, about some sort of self-realization.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-realization
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-realization
- self-actualization
- self-discovery
- self-fulfillment
- meditation
- self-exploration
- introspection
- contemplation
- self-reflection
Noun
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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
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This leads us on an intimate, and at times funny, journey of self-discovery and missteps told in five chapters over the course of a critical year in Robin’s life.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
7 May 2026
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After a life on the sidelines, Mary breaks free from her family to embark on a journey of self-discovery outside of her sisters’ shadows.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
6 May 2026
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
-
The doctor starts with a panchakarma meditation session to determine what treatments your body needs.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 May 2026
-
Indeed, as a sobering meditation on the physical and psychological violence inflicted upon women in relationships, the alt-pop tale could never be described as a crowd-pleaser.—
Jon O'Brien,
Vulture,
11 May 2026
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
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After a whole lot of angst and self-exploration.—
Tina Eves,
SPIN,
23 Apr. 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
-
Gold can be one option worth serious contemplation right now.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
5 May 2026
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Art beckons at Rothko Chapel and The Menil Collection, quiet sanctuaries where light, color, and contemplation merge.—
Carrie Honaker,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
Noun
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Speaks said therapy and self-reflection helped change his own life and inspired him to pursue psychology.—
Nicky Zizaza,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
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That self-reflection led to Rushing’s best performance to date at the plate.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-realization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-realization. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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