SELF-FULFILLMENT Synonyms: 32 Similar Words

self-fulfillment

noun

Definition of self-fulfillment

as in self-actualization

the feeling of being happy and satisfied because you are doing something that fully uses your abilities and talents She found self-fulfillment by starting her own business.

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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-fulfillment 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 Founders have a wide range of personal reasons for making the pivot, from seeking self-fulfillment to meeting a strategic need in their next chapter. — Nina Ajemian, Fortune, 24 July 2025 Turner-Seed’s own writing lays bare a struggle for self-fulfillment, to reconcile the traditional values pushed by her Jewish immigrant parents with a restless need to discover and make her own way. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025 The film explores the dilemma of choosing between self-fulfillment and familial obligations, showing how Joyce learns to embrace her mother’s modern family business and reflecting on the challenges of a globalized generation. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025 These cultures tend to view divorce as a justifiable and often necessary step toward self-fulfillment. — Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 For some, turning 60 is experienced as a time for greater clarity and self-awareness, a time to become more purpose driven, of self-fulfillment and resilience. — Helen Dennis, Daily News, 12 Jan. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-fulfillment

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

Siddhartha At the heart of this novel, which is told in simple, sincere prose, is the spiritual journey of a man named Siddhartha who searches for self-discovery throughout the years of his life.

— Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
University leaders described freshmen as being on a journey of self-discovery.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of self-discovery

Noun

Beyond Culture is also currently developing a namesake series — a reality-documentary hybrid that takes artists and cultural figures beyond persona and into radical self-exploration.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
In Linklater’s eyes, college symbolizes a fount of opportunity, a place where people can reinvent themselves, try on different identities, and embrace self-exploration.

— Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of self-exploration

Noun

And finally, there’s poor Leighton Vance — or at least a version of Leighton Vance who’s not the CEO of Velocity Tech but the leader of a small meditation group.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
At the Miraval Slumber Party, guests explore their sleep patterns and dreams, then are guided through acupressure exercises, stretching, and meditations with singing bowls.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of meditation

Noun

While tech billionaires such as Elon Musk and Marc Andreessen may see empathy and introspection as weaknesses, those traits are the beating heart of literature and art, the wellspring of creativity and human connection.

— Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
Ahead of the 2022 season, Pryor tore the patellar tendon in his left knee during preseason camp, beginning a year of introspection, discovery and, at times, distraction from the sport that had shaped his identity.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of introspection

Noun

Concepts like a recurring conversation with a sibling, a habit picked up during a mundane after-school job, or a small mistake that took months to fully understand can be inroads to genuine self-reflection and creative expression.

— Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
In fact, Perez has never shied from self-reflection, speaking openly about his weight struggles and parenting challenges, sharing his hair-loss journey, and the trials and tribulations of several cross-country moves.

— Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of self-reflection

Noun

Fundamental Questions To Ask CEOs and the board chair should think of the annual review as a self-examination into what is working well today and what can be improved for tomorrow.

— James Langabeer, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Prior to the age of 40, your annual OB-GYN exam and regular self-examination is the baseline for screening for anything suspicious; after the age of 40, an annual mammogram is recommended for additional imaging.

— Nicole Pajer, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026

Definition of self-examination

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self-forgetting

self-fulfillment

self-fulfillments

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Style

“Self-fulfillment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-fulfillment. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-fulfillment

noun

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