SELF-FULFILLMENT Synonyms: 32 Similar Words

self-fulfillment

noun

Definition of self-fulfillment

as in self-actualization

the feeling of being happy and satisfied because you are doing something that fully uses your abilities and talents She found self-fulfillment by starting her own business.

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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 self-fulfillment But this is a Norman Lear comedy after all (his last before passing in late 2023) — so by the end of the first episode, the hilarious sitcom has revealed its true interest in acceptance, forgiveness, and self-fulfillment. — Michael Cuby, Them., 17 Nov. 2025 And increasingly, women are choosing solitude and self-fulfillment over unsatisfying relationships. — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 Founders have a wide range of personal reasons for making the pivot, from seeking self-fulfillment to meeting a strategic need in their next chapter. — Nina Ajemian, Fortune, 24 July 2025 Turner-Seed’s own writing lays bare a struggle for self-fulfillment, to reconcile the traditional values pushed by her Jewish immigrant parents with a restless need to discover and make her own way. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025 The film explores the dilemma of choosing between self-fulfillment and familial obligations, showing how Joyce learns to embrace her mother’s modern family business and reflecting on the challenges of a globalized generation. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025 These cultures tend to view divorce as a justifiable and often necessary step toward self-fulfillment. — Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 For some, turning 60 is experienced as a time for greater clarity and self-awareness, a time to become more purpose driven, of self-fulfillment and resilience. — Helen Dennis, Daily News, 12 Jan. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-fulfillment

Noun

That spirit was palpable in Demna’s debut show at Gucci, where self-concept and self-actualization seemed to come alive in a way that almost laughed at itself.

— Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
The adaptation stars Ella Bruccoleri as the eponymous Mary, who goes on a voyage of self-actualization in London.

— Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 30 Apr. 2026

Definition of self-actualization

Noun

Stories based in this more complex reality of access are not always heroes’ journeys, marked with clear protagonists and moments of self-realization.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
The result is a strikingly original and surprisingly moving tale of self-realization.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026

Definition of self-realization

Noun

Siddhartha At the heart of this novel, which is told in simple, sincere prose, is the spiritual journey of a man named Siddhartha who searches for self-discovery throughout the years of his life.

— Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
University leaders described freshmen as being on a journey of self-discovery.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of self-discovery

Noun

Beyond Culture is also currently developing a namesake series — a reality-documentary hybrid that takes artists and cultural figures beyond persona and into radical self-exploration.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
In Linklater’s eyes, college symbolizes a fount of opportunity, a place where people can reinvent themselves, try on different identities, and embrace self-exploration.

— Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of self-exploration

Noun

However, his introspection is cut short by Zoe’s arrival at his motel room.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Ahead of the sound bath, Oso Sound Healing Studio founder Avery Whitmore said the unconventional space would invite a childlike energy, a deeper connection to animals and introspection.

— Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of introspection

Noun

As the moon harmonizes with Chiron, self-mastery lies in self-reflection.

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Whether the loss of Jason Arday has prompted any self-reflection for a notoriously ruthless industry remains to be seen, but the headlines about the Sussexes’ move back to Britain have been — so far — surprisingly lukewarm.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of self-reflection

Noun

What came of this self-examination were over sixty videos made in high-definition 3D, produced in weekly sessions over the course of more than a year, beginning in February 2025.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Fundamental Questions To Ask CEOs and the board chair should think of the annual review as a self-examination into what is working well today and what can be improved for tomorrow.

— James Langabeer, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of self-examination

Browse Nearby Words

self-forgetting

self-fulfillment

self-fulfillments

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“Self-fulfillment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-fulfillment. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-fulfillment

noun

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