as in self-realization
formal
the process of fully developing and using your abilities
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Recent Examples of self-actualization
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
His sociopathy is the logical extension of a homicidal ethos of self-actualization, self-realization, and self-care.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
Gentle protagonists whose personal struggles with self-actualization end up activating the lives of others are, of course, familiar in the theater.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Stephanie Ahn 1 hour 59 minutes Bedford Park, Stephanie Ahn’s poignant directorial debut, follows Audrey on her path toward something like self-actualization, sparked by a chance encounter with a similarly lonely soul.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026
Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 30 Apr. 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
Gentle protagonists whose personal struggles with self-actualization end up activating the lives of others are, of course, familiar in the theater.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Stephanie Ahn 1 hour 59 minutes Bedford Park, Stephanie Ahn’s poignant directorial debut, follows Audrey on her path toward something like self-actualization, sparked by a chance encounter with a similarly lonely soul.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-actualization
- self-realization
- self-fulfillment
- self-discovery
- self-exploration
- introspection
- self-awareness
- self-reflection
Noun
-
Post vague quotes about self-realization that are universal but ultimately mean nothing.—
Emily Menez,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
-
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
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
Noun
-
The journey moves from mourning into self-discovery, as Kerya’s return becomes a first real encounter with her Asian heritage.—
Emiliano de Pablos,
Variety,
14 May 2026
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Created by Mike Moreci and Nathan Gooden and edited by Adrian Wassel, Barbaric centers on a ruthless and crass barbarian who is cursed to only use his violence for good, which sends him, his talking axe and a young witch, on a road of self-discovery, redemption and revenge.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Some viewers took Sharon’s critique as tough love that prompted necessary introspection about why their natural texture is concealed and manipulated so often.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
14 May 2026
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The back half is comprised of less showy songs that fold midlife introspection into broader concerns.—
Jon Dolan,
Rolling Stone,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Balancing that pressure with the need for self-awareness is a constant negotiation, eased in part by the support of her peers.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2026
-
Her critique demonstrated true self-awareness that impressed the judges, along with her skills as a director, cinematographer, editor and collaborator — and her 1st Degree Black Belt in karate.—
Theresa Walker,
Oc Register,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The importance of the self in American culture seems to have become even more pronounced since about the mid-20th century, when the communal—and sometimes conformist—spirit of the 1950s gave way to movements for individual rights and a cultural focus on self-reflection and self-help.—
Julie Beck,
The Atlantic,
12 May 2026
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Speaks said therapy and self-reflection helped change his own life and inspired him to pursue psychology.—
Nicky Zizaza,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-actualization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-actualization. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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