fulfill

verb

ful·​fill fu̇(l)-ˈfil How to pronounce fulfill (audio)
 also  fə(l)-
variants or fulfil
fulfilled; fulfilling

transitive verb

1
a
: to put into effect : execute
He fulfilled his pledge to cut taxes.
b
: to meet the requirements of (a business order)
Their order for more TVs was promptly fulfilled.
c
: to measure up to : satisfy
She hasn't yet fulfilled the requirements needed to graduate.
d
: to bring to an end
she came to install herself and fulfill her time at the houseWilla Cather
2
a
: to develop the full potentialities of
He has a lot of talent, but he hasn't really fulfilled his potential.
b
: to convert into reality
a sense of the failure of life to fulfill its ultimate expectationsLeslie Rees
3
archaic : to make full : fill
her subtle, warm, and golden breath … fulfills him with beatitudeAlfred Tennyson
fulfiller noun
Choose the Right Synonym for fulfill

perform, execute, discharge, accomplish, achieve, effect, fulfill mean to carry out or into effect.

perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles.

effected sweeping reforms

fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

Examples of fulfill in a Sentence

He fulfilled his pledge to cut taxes. She failed to fulfill her obligations. The program is intended to fulfill the basic needs of children in the community. If we could have that house, our dreams would be fulfilled. He fulfilled his childhood wish to become a professional baseball player. She fulfilled her life's ambition when she started her own business. He's trying to fulfill himself as an artist.
Recent Examples on the Web Positive reviews and testimonials from previous clients provided valuable insights into the company’s ability to fulfill its promises. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 According to the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, the five pillars are the primary obligations a Muslim must fulfill in his or her lifetime. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Mar. 2024 Amazon plans to build even more Same-Day Delivery sites this year, which can fulfill, sort, and ship products from one location. Amrita Khalid, The Verge, 7 Mar. 2024 Representatives from Fifth Third and CVG both highlight how the new branch fulfills their company's goals. The Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2024 In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, the Company's the ability of the Company to fulfill the terms of and derive the benefits from the contract extension. Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2024 Hugo Miller overcomes stereotypes to fulfill his dancing dream — and inspire others. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Paul is able to fulfill his role as revolutionary leader of the Fremen in part because of plans laid by the Bene Gesserit — the mysterious order of space witches, of which his mother is a member, shown throughout both films. Lucas Trevor, Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2024 Anyone drawn to Dune: Part 2 fulfills a freakish commercial obligation, like doing cinematic detention. Armond White, National Review, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fulfill.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fulfillen, from Old English fullfyllan, from full full entry 1 + fyllan "to fill entry 1"

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of fulfill was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near fulfill

Cite this Entry

“Fulfill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fulfill. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fulfill

verb
ful·​fill
variants or fulfil
fulfilled; fulfilling
1
: accomplish
fulfill a promise
2
: to measure up to : satisfy
fulfill requirements
fulfiller noun
fulfillment
-mənt
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fulfill

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