as in self-exploration
the act or process of gaining knowledge or understanding of your abilities, character, and feelings
She was on a voyage of self-discovery.
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Recent Examples of self-discovery
It’s been a journey of self-discovery.
—
Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
The lively group discusses romantic — often very sexy — fiction to spark nuanced conversations about self-discovery.
—Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
In a world where things can feel topsy-turvy, the best source for inspiration is often found through self-discovery—and that can start with a coat of nail polish.
—Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 22 Dec. 2025
Trading boardrooms for burners and office politics for high-pressure kitchens, Kathleen embarks on a funny, heartfelt journey of self-discovery, the logline reads.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-discovery
Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
The lively group discusses romantic — often very sexy — fiction to spark nuanced conversations about self-discovery.
—Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
In a world where things can feel topsy-turvy, the best source for inspiration is often found through self-discovery—and that can start with a coat of nail polish.
—Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 22 Dec. 2025
Trading boardrooms for burners and office politics for high-pressure kitchens, Kathleen embarks on a funny, heartfelt journey of self-discovery, the logline reads.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-discovery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-discovery
- self-exploration
- self-realization
- self-actualization
- introspection
- meditation
- self-fulfillment
- soul-searching
- self-reflection
Noun
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That sets Charli off on a bit of self-exploration and a reunion with her childhood friend Nel (Lena Góra).—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
11 Feb. 2026
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Its red rock buttes are said to house mysterious cosmic forces conducive to healing and self-exploration.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Leaving, at the time, was seen as a temporary sacrifice, something connected to work and supporting a family, not to self-realization.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Feb. 2026
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Taking the main character’s famous journey of self-realization every night.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
21 Dec. 2025
Noun
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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
Noun
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Philosophy is a practice of wonder and logic; curiosity and introspection; dialectic and meditation; criticism and advocacy.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Feb. 2026
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Like its predecessors, the album incorporates Ant’s sticky signature beats on production and Daley’s clever rhymes, leading listeners through a world full of literary devices that drive introspection and sometimes the everyday insecurity of existence.—
Charlie Vargas,
Daily News,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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As father and son venture deeper into the wilderness, their journey becomes a meditation on grief, survival and the meaning of paternal instinct.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
6 Feb. 2026
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Wellness Amenities Wellness practices at home will continue to be a priority for 2026 and people will look to renovate their homes to include amenities like home gyms, saunas, and meditation rooms.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
6 Feb. 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
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And increasingly, women are choosing solitude and self-fulfillment over unsatisfying relationships.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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And for all the soul-searching and probing, Conrad is well aware that kink can lead to comedy—up to a point.—
Chris Murphy,
Vanity Fair,
22 Jan. 2026
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There is no way to tackle these questions without deep reflection and a great deal of soul-searching.—
Kenneth Seeskin,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This short is uniquely brilliant in its ability to balance laugh-out-loud levity with the emotional pain of honest self-reflection.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
28 Jan. 2026
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And, for that matter, that Rahman has undergone the necessary self-reflection and growth during his years in the political wilderness to truly become a leader for his people.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-discovery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-discovery. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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