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
  • 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
  • In that closing line, there’s a detectable sense of trepidation regarding self-discovery.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The docs lineup includes stories of self-discovery, family ties and the search for belonging.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 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
  • Plan low-key gatherings like a cozy dinner or weekend hike to stay socially connected, and try mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In new programs, interactions with horses go beyond riding to meditation, yoga and therapy that practitioners say can help restore life balance.
    — Ondine Cohane, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of meditation
Noun
  • It’s all been replaced with a great sense of humility and introspection spread across little more than half an hour.
    — Jason Pettigrew, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Playing Sebastian, however, required a different kind of introspection.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of introspection
Noun
  • Later in life, Schwam created Humanity 101, an initiative of Arizona State University’s Project Humanities, promoting the values of compassion, empathy, forgiveness, integrity, kindness, respect and self-reflection.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026
  • From there, Shaikh began to challenge Daniel on his Islamist views and to guide him toward self-reflection and accountability.
    — Jeff Winter, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of self-reflection
Noun
  • This week, for example, France began a national self-examination after youthful protests led to looting and destruction.
    — the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Pausing to look means being willing to see what is not working, and such honest self-examination is uncomfortable in a way most of us don’t seek out voluntarily.
    — Bill Koch, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 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 30 Oct. 2026.

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