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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Her book, Tiny Experiments, is a transformative guide for living a more experimental life, turning uncertainty into curiosity, and carving a path of self-discovery.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
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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
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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And the paintings began, in part, as a meditation on erasure—a rebuke, of sorts, to a digital regime that had abandoned writing’s tactility.—
Julian Lucas,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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The 3,000-square-foot Surya Spa is centered around Ayurvedic principles, with therapeutic massage, steam and oil treatments, yoga, meditation, and personalized programs available.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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After a whole lot of angst and self-exploration.—
Tina Eves,
SPIN,
23 Apr. 2026
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The exploration of others is simultaneously a self-exploration.—
Tim Brinkhof,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Every Male Actor Gets A Role WWII movies are a hard genre to stand out in, but Malick succeeds through introspection, inspired by the novel’s study of character amidst brutal chaos.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The Opera Gallery says the gouache reflects a moment of introspection and concentrated studio work for the artist.—
Jake McGowan,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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True to its intent, this restaurant is indeed a calm yet joy-evoking space for quiet contemplation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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The resulting home is a small architectural gem, as well as a contemplation on writing.—
Ludovica Stevan,
Architectural Digest,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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These include psychotherapy that is inspired by the Quran, the teachings of the prophet and spiritual practices such as self-reflection, prayer and mindfulness.—
Anisah Bagasra,
The Conversation,
17 Apr. 2026
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No one knows everything when getting into a relationship, but self-reflection and awareness have been beneficial.—
Christina Frazier,
Health,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-realization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-realization. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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