variants or fulfil
Definition of fulfillnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb fulfill contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fulfill are accomplish, achieve, discharge, effect, execute, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

Where would accomplish be a reasonable alternative to fulfill?

While the synonyms accomplish and fulfill are close in meaning, accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How do achieve and accomplish relate to one another, in the sense of fulfill?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

When could discharge be used to replace fulfill?

While in some cases nearly identical to fulfill, discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

How are the words effect and achieve related as synonyms of fulfill?

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

effected sweeping reforms

When would execute be a good substitute for fulfill?

The meanings of execute and fulfill largely overlap; however, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When might perform be a better fit than fulfill?

In some situations, the words perform and fulfill are roughly equivalent. However, perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

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 fulfill Schools like ours help fulfill those needs. Stephen Tave, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025 At Lee’s suggestion, Donald ultimately decides to fulfill his late brother's wishes and give Washberg family land to Arthur’s grandson Chutto (Mato Wayuhi), who returns it to the Osage Nation. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2025 The candidates ran to fulfill the last two years of an unexpired, four-year term. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2025 Something that was important to Ryan was fulfilling fantasies. Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fulfill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fulfill
Verb
  • And the compressed timeframe of the story ticks down to a hugely satisfying climactic encounter in the mountains.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Each is ready in minutes, ideal for a filling lunch or a quick, satisfying snack.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Malinin holds the honor as the only skater ever to land a quad axel in competition, first accomplishing the feat in 2022.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • That’s what the report is trying to accomplish.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The project blends electric mobility with real-time AI while keeping the driver in control.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
  • But Daniels kept getting hurt this season, managing to start only seven games and getting shut down in December after a series of injuries to his left knee, right hamstring and left elbow.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • As this brief survey suggests, the patriots’ success in drawing foreign partners into the war was essential to achieving American independence.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Sustainable transformation isn’t achieved by a mandate; instead, it’s driven by leaders who focus on people first.
    Feon Ang, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Mills and the Texans’ offense scored a touchdown on all three of their fourth-quarter drives, including the veteran quarterback capping a 14-play, 93-yard drive with a 14-yard run to complete the comeback and give Houston a 30-29 lead — its first of the game.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Despite the game-ending gaffe, Schakel had a strong day, completing 43 of 63 passes for 451 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
    Alex Valdes, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Although his unit did not perform particularly well in 2026, ranking 22nd in total defense, 24th in points against and 17th on third down, anyone that has interacted with Weaver knows that his presence screams head coach.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Just thinking about having this film play in the same place where one of his idols, Elvis Presley performed, was thrilling.
    Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • So commences a night of harrowing encounters and trauma both physical and mental, starting with Ron and Mike’s trip to meet Oliver at a bar after one of his shows.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • When the Huskies lined up for a 50-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, Ben Barten’s outstretched hand met the ball, sending it skittering across the slick turf.
    Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Now, Braddy's case is back in court, with a jury once again weighing whether he should be executed.
    Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Rodarte, while executing a search warrant at an Olivehurst home the morning of March 26, was killed by a single gunshot, which authorities said was fired by Rick David Oliver.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fulfill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fulfill. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fulfill

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!