self-realization

noun

self-re·​al·​i·​za·​tion ˌself-ˌrē-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce self-realization (audio)
Synonyms of self-realizationnext
: fulfillment by oneself of the possibilities of one's character or personality

Examples of self-realization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Post vague quotes about self-realization that are universal but ultimately mean nothing. — Emily Menez, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026 Leadership, in my view, is not defined by title or position, but by self-realization and inner discipline. — Lintao "lt" Lu, Forbes.com, 28 May 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 The result is a strikingly original and surprisingly moving tale of self-realization. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-realization

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-realization was circa 1815

Rhymes for self-realization

See All Rhymes for self-realization

Browse Nearby Words

self-reading rod
self-realization
self-realizationism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-realization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-realization. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on self-realization

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for self-realization

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

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?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10
See More

Popular

See More

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All