LIFEWORK Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

lifework

noun

Definition of lifework

as in work

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 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

Chisell, who previously worked at Amazon, eBay and Starling Bank, estimates that Paysend can now deliver around 25% more engineering work with the same-sized team, but argues that getting results isn’t as simple as handing everyone the latest tech.

— Lindsay Dodgson, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
Making the show work within Keery’s schedule was a challenge.

— Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of work

Noun

My dream would be to hear that people have watched this program and discovered the vocation.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
These women — cradle Catholics and converts, former nuns, teachers, hospice chaplains, counselors, spouses, mothers, grandmothers — say their defiance is the fulfillment of a vocation, no different than the call answered by their male counterparts.

— Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of vocation

Noun

Licenses are required for certain professions, such as cosmetologists and barbers.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
While talk of brand deals and hairstyling as a profession are natural assumptions as next steps post-college, Huettl says that for now, this is just a fun hobby.

— Audrey Noble, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of profession

Noun

And though some Palestinians were justly fighting to end the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza and to create an independent state, others were waging an unjust war to destroy Israel altogether.

— Jordi Graupera, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
Across 25 occupations that past technology upended, employment fell an extra 4% over five years for every point the national unemployment rate climbed.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of occupation

Noun

After all, a few additional years of employment can translate to more savings, fewer years of withdrawals and a bigger Social Security benefit.

— John Csiszar, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026
Emerge continues to provide employment support for 12 months after placement.

— Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of employment

Noun

Jang Kwang-pil, executive vice president and head of the Future Technology Research Institute at HD KSOE, said the exercise confirmed the vessel’s ability to handle complex missions after leaving port.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
The country's Hayabusa mission brought home pieces of the asteroid Itokawa in 2010, for example, and Hayabusa2 did the same with material from the space rock Ryugu a decade later.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of mission

Noun

Without a backup kicker on the active roster, head coach Sean McVay must treat Evans as an emergency-only option and heavily alter his play-calling to feature aggressive fourth-down conversions.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Motherhood may not have been her calling, but Sabrina Popo was a loving and affectionate grandmother.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of calling

Browse Nearby Words

lifetimes

lifework

lifeworks

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Lifework.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lifework. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of lifework

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

puissant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Oct. 23

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes