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.

Related Words

Relevance

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

The film’s empowering message about self-discovery and combining academics and athleticism also contributed to its impact on young girls at the time.

— Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
Camp Rock 3 echoes that first film by introducing wide-eyed campers on paths to self-discovery and self-awareness through music.

— Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 12 Aug. 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

Outside, the lush grounds host a 55-foot pool with a spillover spa, a kitchen and bar barbecue setup, a meditation garden with an infrared sauna, a stream, and a chicken—or peacock—coop.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026
The participants watched a movie, followed by periods of rest, meditation, and music with their eyes closed.

— Mike McRae August 19, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of meditation

Noun

In Linklater’s eyes, college symbolizes a fount of opportunity, a place where people can reinvent themselves, try on different identities, and embrace self-exploration.

— Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of self-exploration

Noun

Ahead of the 2022 season, Pryor tore the patellar tendon in his left knee during preseason camp, beginning a year of introspection, discovery and, at times, distraction from the sport that had shaped his identity.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Nothing about the character suggests introspection of any type.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of introspection

Noun

Concepts like a recurring conversation with a sibling, a habit picked up during a mundane after-school job, or a small mistake that took months to fully understand can be inroads to genuine self-reflection and creative expression.

— Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
In fact, Perez has never shied from self-reflection, speaking openly about his weight struggles and parenting challenges, sharing his hair-loss journey, and the trials and tribulations of several cross-country moves.

— Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of self-reflection

Cite this Entry

Style

“Self-realization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-realization. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of self-realization

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

expeditious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes