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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What happens when you are forced to choose between a beautiful, vulnerable tradition and your own self-actualization?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 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
Noun
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Legally Blonde warms the heart by proving that self-discovery never goes out of style!—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
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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
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
-
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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For a more immersive experience, consider the water rejuvenation and meditation session, which takes place at Buahan’s own waterfall at the bottom of the valley.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
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Hicks begins her sound sessions with breath and guided meditation work before diving into the sound journey.—
Britt Julious,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Younger people are interested in self-exploration, but on their terms.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
-
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
Noun
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At the Fort Worth show, fans can expect a setlist that balances introspection with crowd-pleasing energy, delivered with the Neighbourhood’s signature dark-pop polish.—
Travis Pinson,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Mar. 2026
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His off-the-cuff Mount Rushmore of Jeezy hits reads like a blueprint for the residency itself—tracks that span hunger, triumph, introspection, and dominance.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Both of us have recently moved from denial to contemplation that AI will soon be in a position to replace us.—
J. Xavier Prochaska,
Mercury News,
18 Mar. 2026
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Tiffany approaches her projects with research and contemplation and then follows through with flawless details.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Season 2 has been one of introspection through loss and self-reflection that has helped both McKay and Dourif grow steadily alongside one another.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
30 Mar. 2026
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There’s always an excuse—and very little self-reflection—whereas forward-thinkers will approach setbacks by looking inward.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-realization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-realization. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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