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.

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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

Just as bright, witty, and debauched as their namesake, this unique protagonist is on a path of self-discovery, gaining insight into not just their gender identity, but also their preternatural attraction to transgression and risk.

— Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026
The series follows a young Haitian man devoted to caring for his ailing grandmother who forms an unexpected connection with nursing instructor and is forced to confront the balance between love, family, responsibility and self-discovery.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 July 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

At his teacher’s direction, Pannakara traveled to Myanmar between 2018 and 2020 to study and practice Vipassana meditation, an ancient technique taught by the Buddha himself as core for attaining enlightenment.

— Deepa Bharath, Fortune, 17 July 2026
Buddhism assumes that meditation is learned from experienced teachers.

— Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

Definition of meditation

Noun

Since there are very few existing sources of data like this, approaches like teleoperation, video analysis, motion capture of humans, and self-exploration in simulation and in the real world are all seen as important ways to collect data.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 20 May 2026
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

Definition of self-exploration

Noun

Trish and Dan Bell Chapel The Trish and Dan Bell Chapel will serve as a gathering place for worship, contemplation and spiritual strengthening at FIU.

— Florida International University, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Many crude laughs were bolstered by the attached contemplation.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 June 2026

Definition of contemplation

Noun

McKinney emphasizes that true global leadership requires understanding how culture shapes decisions, self-reflection, and actively leveraging differences as a strategic asset.

— Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Just as the young woman is set to return to her hometown following the end of her postgraduate studies, a girl’s body is discovered there, unravelling painful memories of past trauma and sending Sofia through a pained process of self-reflection.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 9 July 2026

Definition of self-reflection

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“Self-realization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-realization. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-realization

noun

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