fulfill
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to carry out, or bring to realization, as a prophecy or promise.
- Synonyms:
- realize, complete, achieve, accomplish
-
to perform or do, as duty; obey or follow, as commands.
-
to satisfy (requirements, obligations, etc.).
a book that fulfills a long-felt need.
-
to bring to an end; finish or complete, as a period of time.
He felt that life was over when one had fulfilled his threescore years and ten.
-
to develop the full potential of (usually used reflexively).
She realized that she could never fulfill herself in such work.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of fulfill
First recorded before 1000; Middle English fulfillen, Old English fulfyllan. See full 1, fill
Explanation
The verb fulfill means to fill a need or want. To fulfill yourself personally means to follow your inner passion, like flute-playing, no matter who thinks it's silly. Fulfill can also mean to meet expectations, or live up to a standard. If you fulfill your teacher's requirement of good behavior and good test scores, she'll give you a star. Finally, fulfill can mean to put into effect, or carry out. You'll fulfill the cookie orders when you deliver boxes of those tasty treats to the people who bought them.
Vocabulary lists containing fulfill
Beowulf vocabulary
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Commonly Misspelled Words, List 6
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Ungifted
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
For example: If your priority is paying for a grandchild’s tuition or donating to a beloved charity, you’re more likely to fall for a scheme that promises to fulfill that goal.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026
They said their father "understood that while talent may be distributed equally, opportunity is not, and that those who demonstrate determination and endeavour should have the chance to fulfill their potential".
From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026
At age 17, Cramer was sent off to fulfill his 30-year service in the Marines’ secret space program.
From Slate ● Sep. 22, 2026
A few images were released, but no video or audio that made clear he was able to speak, let alone fulfill his duties as a lawmaker.
From Salon ● Sep. 17, 2026
There were jokes and tricks to fulfill even Fred’s and George’s wildest dreams; Harry gave Ron whispered orders and passed him some gold from under the cloak.
From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling
“We fulfilled our $500 deductible and assumed 80% after that would be covered,” Higginbotham said.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026
The NBA issued the following sanctions after a third-party probe determined Ballmer invested $60 million in a now-defunct company that in turn agreed to pay Leonard $28 million for endorsements he never fulfilled:
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026
And in that way, it will have fulfilled its Netflix destiny.
From Salon ● Sep. 2, 2026
There was then pride at Palace when Mateta fulfilled his dream of representing France during the World Cup.
From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026
The boys and the other soldiers who were the audience clapped as if I had just fulfilled one of life’s greatest achievements.
From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah
“He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a Fashion and Costume Designer, which is all he ever wanted to do,” the statement said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026
But if you’re looking for joy online, we have diversions to help make this day fulfilling.
From Slate ● Sep. 11, 2026
Joe said he was fulfilling a long-held ambition.
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
For some people, it’s fulfilling their vision of the American dream.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026
He wanted his students to come to some deeper understanding of themselves, for their lives to be more fulfilling, because they had once passed his way.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
