self-fulfillment

noun

Definition of self-fulfillmentnext
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
  1. self-actualization
  2. self-realization
  3. self-discovery
  4. self-exploration
  5. meditation
  6. introspection
  7. self-reflection
  8. self-examination
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
  • The result is a strikingly original and surprisingly moving tale of self-realization.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026
  • Leadership, in my view, is not defined by title or position, but by self-realization and inner discipline.
    — Lintao "LT" Lu, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Definition of self-realization
Noun
  • The film’s empowering message about self-discovery and combining academics and athleticism also contributed to its impact on young girls at the time.
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Camp Rock 3 echoes that first film by introducing wide-eyed campers on paths to self-discovery and self-awareness through music.
    — Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of self-discovery
Noun
  • 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
  • Second, extended breaks from work—ideally more than two months, with four to six months as the ideal—are necessary to undergo a deeper journey of self-exploration.
    — DJ Didonna, Time, 13 July 2026
Definition of self-exploration
Noun
  • Practicing meditation, visualization, or deep breathing may help in distracting from the discomfort of a full bladder for a short time.
    — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Other common practices among Druids include the celebration of seasonal festivals, meditation, and divination.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of meditation
Noun
  • Nothing about the character suggests introspection of any type.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
  • This show about the consequences of limited introspection suffers them as well.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of introspection
Noun
  • Concepts like a recurring conversation with a sibling, a habit picked up during a mundane after-school job, or a small mistake that took months to fully understand can be inroads to genuine self-reflection and creative expression.
    — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, Perez has never shied from self-reflection, speaking openly about his weight struggles and parenting challenges, sharing his hair-loss journey, and the trials and tribulations of several cross-country moves.
    — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of self-reflection
Noun
  • 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
  • Prior to the age of 40, your annual OB-GYN exam and regular self-examination is the baseline for screening for anything suspicious; after the age of 40, an annual mammogram is recommended for additional imaging.
    — Nicole Pajer, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026
Definition of self-examination

Browse Nearby Words

self-forgetting
self-fulfillment
self-fulfillments
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Cite this Entry

“Self-fulfillment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-fulfillment. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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