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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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
Noun
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Many millennial and Gen Z women—including myself—explored going natural in college as part of the common self-discovery that comes with leaving home.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
29 May 2026
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Shomo concluded his remarks with words of advice for others on the road to self-discovery.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 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
-
And increasingly, women are choosing solitude and self-fulfillment over unsatisfying relationships.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Wellness classes are complimentary and include yoga, pilates, sound bath healing, meditation, and HIIT workouts.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Effective CEOs can attend to their mental and emotional states through intentional self-care, exercise, journaling, meditation, and by blocking out time to truly connect with those most important to them, no matter what.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
1 June 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
-
Explore meditation, prayer or introspection.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
28 May 2026
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The park is over 75 hectares, which offers plenty of space for quiet introspection and enjoying a more laidback landmark while visiting the city.—
Kaitlyn McInnis,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Noun
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Following several years of contemplation and asceticism, Dorje hopes to return to the United States to teach in Minnesota's Buddhist community at the Nyingmapa Taksham Buddhist Center.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
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The spaces are intended as places of contemplation and rejuvenation for the athletes.—
Jane Horowitz,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
Soka Gakkai members gather to study Buddhist principles, like practicing nonviolence and taking social action, and their practice consists of prayers, chanting and self-reflection in nature to achieve spiritual growth.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
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Opportunities for self-reflection abound across the summer calendar.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-realization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-realization. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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