as in natures
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others
some believe that it's only in times of great stress that a person's true self is revealed
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Recent Examples of selves
To some degree, all grand city museums prod us to be our better selves.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
The stories need them but this is the case because dogs figure so powerfully in how literature and the visual arts imagine human interactions among themselves and with the gods who them-selves have dogs.
—Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
Recreational facilities like Parque Río Cristal, Coney Island in Miramar and Lenin Park, which once offered leisure opportunities for ordinary Cubans, have become shadows of their former selves.
—Sarah Moreno
june 5, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026
Throughout Ranjha, Ben Tzur’s latest album with Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, the blurring of selves is the goal.
—Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 1 June 2026
Places where people do excellent work as their full selves and where everyone is seen as equally valuable.
—Teresa Hopke, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
The Parks and Recreation star appeared on Wednesday's episode of the late-night series for an extended segment in which Stephen Colbert finally submitted himself to his infamous questionnaire, which he's spent years telling guests is scientifically designed to reveal their true selves.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 21 May 2026
Even people who try to be their authentic selves on social media, sharing things about their lives, still have some kind of a guard up.
—Glamour, 18 May 2026
Feisty about current events, sensitive about mental health, and musically prone to prettiness and brazenness in about equal measure, Williams is bringing all of her best selves, two-decades-and-change into her career.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 15 May 2026
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
The stories need them but this is the case because dogs figure so powerfully in how literature and the visual arts imagine human interactions among themselves and with the gods who them-selves have dogs.
—Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
Recreational facilities like Parque Río Cristal, Coney Island in Miramar and Lenin Park, which once offered leisure opportunities for ordinary Cubans, have become shadows of their former selves.
—Sarah Moreno
june 5, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026
Throughout Ranjha, Ben Tzur’s latest album with Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, the blurring of selves is the goal.
—Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 1 June 2026
Places where people do excellent work as their full selves and where everyone is seen as equally valuable.
—Teresa Hopke, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
The Parks and Recreation star appeared on Wednesday's episode of the late-night series for an extended segment in which Stephen Colbert finally submitted himself to his infamous questionnaire, which he's spent years telling guests is scientifically designed to reveal their true selves.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 21 May 2026
Even people who try to be their authentic selves on social media, sharing things about their lives, still have some kind of a guard up.
—Glamour, 18 May 2026
Feisty about current events, sensitive about mental health, and musically prone to prettiness and brazenness in about equal measure, Williams is bringing all of her best selves, two-decades-and-change into her career.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selves
Noun
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The fact is often interpreted as women wanting less risk than men because of women’s natures.—
Teresa Ghilarducci,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
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These observations suggest that small, mysterious moons with surprisingly different natures are the source of the particles that make up the two outermost rings, and that there are probably even more undiscovered moons to add to the 29 already known around Uranus.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Best Cruises For Every Traveler Cruise lines have distinct personalities, so picking the right cruise line is the first step to finding the right cruise.—
Scott Laird,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
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What makes the show defy expectations, though, is the aw-shucks personalities of the young British duo at its core, improbably named Richard Young and Sam Strange.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
18 June 2026
Noun
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The day eases toward dusk in warm, unhurried tones.—
David Dickstein,
Oc Register,
17 June 2026
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Caramel tones are known to complement most skin tones, offering soft warmth and the understated quality expected of an expensive style.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
17 June 2026
Noun
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Reid had already spent two seasons playing Lestat through other characters’ memories and perspectives.—
Precious Fondren,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
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Kids love the age-specific kids' programming, Xbox lounge, Sesame Street characters, and enormous water park, while adults enjoy golf, scuba lessons, and 26 dining options, including casual beach spots and upscale fusion restaurants.—
Chelsea Adams,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Selves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selves. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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