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 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 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 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 And increasingly, women are choosing solitude and self-fulfillment over unsatisfying relationships. — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 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 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
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
  • My history has been shaped by hardship, self-discovery and a relentless pursuit of purpose.
    — Mikhail Shneyder, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The Sister, Sister star met Williams after her period of solitude and self-discovery.
    — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of self-discovery
Noun
  • Since there are very few existing sources of data like this, approaches like teleoperation, video analysis, motion capture of humans, and self-exploration in simulation and in the real world are all seen as important ways to collect data.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 20 May 2026
  • That self-neglect resulted in a health challenge, which eventually led to Godfred reconnecting with her passion for poetry and self-exploration.
    — Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026
Definition of self-exploration
Noun
  • Mindful downtime, including meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or reading instead of screen time, promotes better sleep and mental quiet.
    — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Residential patients will also have access to a stickball court, garden space for traditional foods, a gym and room for meditation.
    — Sarah Liese, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of meditation
Noun
  • That’s why introspection and self-knowledge are at the core of every spiritual and philosophical tradition—the drive not just to know the world but to know ourselves, with each layer of self-knowledge unlocking a deeper one.
    — Arianna Huffington, Time, 29 June 2026
  • Your desire for solitude and introspection is strong during today’s Scorpio moon.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Definition of introspection
Noun
  • Andy Sachs exemplifies an adaptive optimist, challenging norms and fostering open environments through self-reflection and curiosity.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • That friction is an opportunity for self-reflection.
    — Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Definition of self-reflection
Noun
  • When creating the novel, Akil was inspired by the collective interest in self-examination and the interior self.
    — Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • In fact, much of our technology is designed to distract us from, or worse, replace this loop of self-examination and improvement.
    — Arianna Huffington, Time, 29 June 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 9 Jul. 2026.

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