LIFEWORK Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

lifework

noun

Definition of lifework

as in work

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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 lifework Honoring Nigo’s work and influence, the exhibition analyzes and illustrates the cultural fusions that have shaped his lifework through fashion, music, and design — from Japanese craft and streetwear to vintage Americana and contemporary luxury. — Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026 Love ’em or not, Gloria Steinem and Dolly Parton brought undeniable talent, commitment, and joy to their lifework. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026 Spreading that message is Bigtree’s lifework. — Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026 Four years after Farmer’s death, Clinton reflects on preserving her mentor’s lifework in health care and remembers his tender tenacity. — Chelsea Clinton, Vanity Fair, 24 Feb. 2026 How an accident led to a career Pruitt came to his lifework literally by accident. — Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 20 Nov. 2024 From a restricted viewing area not far away, Louise Prockter, a graceful scientist with sandy hair, glanced at a countdown clock and then back at the rocket, which carried her lifework. — David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lifework

Noun

Her most recent work, Elegies (2023), a documentary about Hong Kong poetry, opened Hong Kong International Film Festival and was nominated for the Golden Horse Awards.

— Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026
While her work regularly brings her into close proximity with children, Uta has little interest in starting a family of her own.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of work

Noun

Incident response has always been a human profession disguised as a technical one.

— Tony Kirtley, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Teaching is a profession no less than medicine or law, and those of us who aren’t professional educators can help but usually won’t be as effective as professionals.

— Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of profession

Noun

Depending on the record, that can include your name, mailing address, employer, occupation, donation amount and the political committee that received your money.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
In fact, the researchers found churn across occupations has continued along pre-AI trends.

— Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of occupation

Noun

The event was put on in support of Southern California nonprofit Chrysalis, which helps individuals navigate obstacles on their path to meaningful employment.

— Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026
Unemployment is low and signals full employment, while stock markets are at or near record highs.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of employment

Noun

The elderly driver, consumed by guilt, signs his house over to Yu Jie and covers his medical and living costs each month.

— Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Although future cost-of-living adjustments will apply, and the retiree would earn 24 additional checks over those two years, that lower starting benefit is locked in permanently.

— John Csiszar, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of living

Noun

Today a myriad of arts organizations champion wildly diverse missions.

— Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
Seven strangers from different countries and backgrounds are forced to compete in a deadly game, each facing a different mission to rescue a loved one.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of mission

Noun

Riley’s clock management and use of timeouts, along with his play-calling, unquestionably got the best of Penn State’s Campbell and helped seal the USC win.

— Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Once the Mizzou running game got consistent positive yards in the second half, the Tigers’ play-calling shifted to feature that aspect of their offense.

— PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of calling

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“Lifework.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lifework. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of lifework

noun

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