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

Designed for ranch work and rugged driving, the Terra pickup features green paint, 37-inch tires on 18-inch wheels, heavy-duty side steps, a front bull bar, a roof basket with lights, and expanded cargo-bed storage.

— Chase Jordan October 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2026
But early mornings and after-work hours tend to be the busiest times.

— TIME Staff, Time, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of work

Noun

Fortich has already considered leaving the profession — or jumping ship to teach in closer-to-home Lee County, but her job security from so many years in the Miami-Dade County school district has anchored her here.

— Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
The alien spends much of the runtime going by the alias of John Carpenter (Jesus's profession, same initials), and is ultimately betrayed by someone close to him, Helen's sleazy boyfriend Tom (Hugh Marlowe), fulfilling Judas's role in the story.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of profession

Noun

Justifying the use of force on their campuses, schools primarily deferred to just this idea of protocol, citing arcane policy mandates to disband encampments and occupations so that academic production could resume its flow.

— Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
First, there’s the occupation and the violence itself that somehow becomes ‘normal’ or is viewed as normal.

— Marta Balaga, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of occupation

Noun

Fazio said that his private sector employment had nothing to do with his decision to vote in the state Senate against a high-profile bill that would prohibit Connecticut towns and state agencies from purchasing drones made in China and Russia.

— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
That argument is particularly relevant in rural communities where the timber industry remains an important source of employment and revenue.

— Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of employment

Noun

Last August, about ten million recipients were of working age; and 860,000 were children receiving disability living allowance.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
The editorial praises the Shedd for trying to save the whales in this time of crisis, even though the animals had a record of previous poor living conditions and dubious care.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of living

Noun

The next mission, Artemis IV, is slated for no sooner than 2028 and would have astronauts landing on the moon in either Blue Moon or Starship, whichever is ready first.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
One point that makes this mission of special importance is the sheer scale of the vehicle.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of mission

Noun

But together with his mother, Alison, the 22-year-old has found a calling in speaking up for people with disabilities in Tallahassee.

— Justin Garcia, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026
One of Zuckerberg’s live demos of the night also showed off the glasses’ ability to use hologram technology to project a photorealistic digital version of a person, including their real-time expressions and reactions, for hands-free video calling.

— Kaitlyn Huamani, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of calling

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“Lifework.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lifework. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of lifework

noun

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