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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
These cultures tend to view divorce as a justifiable and often necessary step toward self-fulfillment.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
This is Mascaro’s most humane film to date, which isn’t to say that August Winds and Neon Bull weren’t also grounded in the individual’s struggle for self-fulfillment outside the strictures of bourgeois circumscribed society.
—Jay D. Weissberg, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
Thus, Mill’s central political concern was not how to create order out of chaos but how to ensure that the beneficiaries of order could achieve self-fulfillment.
—John Micklethwait, Foreign Affairs, 29 May 2014
Deserving Self-Fulfillment The final justification, cited by 13 participants, was that their affairs were a form of deserving self-fulfillment.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024
What lies do people tell themselves that inhibit their self-fulfillment?
—Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
Part of her journey toward self-fulfillment, these visits allow her brief liberation from her husband and family, leading her to begin a series of illicit affairs.
—EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024
Those lines for many Black and Brown households often meant career paths that promoted financial stability but lacked self-fulfillment through the identification and pursuit of the things that truly move you.
—Pauleanna Reid, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024
The discussion should be one of thousands on who is entitled to not only life but also self-fulfillment and self-definition.
—Kat McGowan, WIRED, 4 Jan. 2024
Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
This is Mascaro’s most humane film to date, which isn’t to say that August Winds and Neon Bull weren’t also grounded in the individual’s struggle for self-fulfillment outside the strictures of bourgeois circumscribed society.
—Jay D. Weissberg, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
Thus, Mill’s central political concern was not how to create order out of chaos but how to ensure that the beneficiaries of order could achieve self-fulfillment.
—John Micklethwait, Foreign Affairs, 29 May 2014
Deserving Self-Fulfillment The final justification, cited by 13 participants, was that their affairs were a form of deserving self-fulfillment.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024
What lies do people tell themselves that inhibit their self-fulfillment?
—Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
Part of her journey toward self-fulfillment, these visits allow her brief liberation from her husband and family, leading her to begin a series of illicit affairs.
—EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024
Those lines for many Black and Brown households often meant career paths that promoted financial stability but lacked self-fulfillment through the identification and pursuit of the things that truly move you.
—Pauleanna Reid, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024
The discussion should be one of thousands on who is entitled to not only life but also self-fulfillment and self-definition.
—Kat McGowan, WIRED, 4 Jan. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-fulfillment
- self-realization
- self-discovery
- self-exploration
- meditation
- introspection
- self-reflection
- self-examination
Noun
-
As the story unfolds, viewers are drawn into the world of creativity and introspection, witnessing the journey towards self-realization and fulfillment of aspirations, all while navigating the intricate dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Both young actors are superb, each zigzagging along that fine line between immature posturing and actual, exhilarating self-realization, evoking that transitional stage through which girls like them can often seem at least three ages at once.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Leila reaches out to Maria for help and what follows is a journey of self-discovery for both women in unearthing the beauty and potential in vulnerable young minds when others can’t see it.—
Gus Alexiou,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Alex and Ethan’s self-discovery is short-lived after Alex tells Sasha the truth of their plot.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Overall, Gemini Near Me’s goal is to empower users to become the best version of themselves by diving into self-exploration and embarking on a fascinating self-work journey—made possible by a plethora of interactive features.—
Emma Kershaw,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
-
That self-exploration inspired her latest album, Patterns.—
Jeff Nelson,
People.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Those who want to focus on wellness could snap up a home with an on-site gym, a spa space, a meditation suite, and other features.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Take a sabbatical, travel or attend a meditation retreat.—
Cara Heilmann,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
And even for those who might be able to separate art from artist, the actor’s seeming lack of introspection about how violence is threaded through his film is an artistic failing.—
Hannah Giorgis,
The Atlantic,
4 Apr. 2025
-
There’s not enough moral introspection to elevate the sequel beyond a page-turner, but Mary Alice, Helen, Natalie, and Billie remain good company.—
Yvonne Zipp,
Christian Science Monitor,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Even in his moments of self-reflection, he’s not really thrown.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Instead of just giving information, ask insightful questions that raise awareness, encourage self-reflection and help direct reports own their growth.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Warhol is a brisk dip in self-deprecating self-examination.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
2 Apr. 2025
-
After a disappointing debut season with the New York Yankees and an inconsistent Year 2, Rodón undertook a thorough self-examination of his status as a starting pitcher.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-fulfillment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-fulfillment. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share