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:
Ironically, the very thing that Mark felt he needed to fulfill his dream – a large, admiring audience for his illustrations – began to feel like a prison.
From Salon ● Aug. 30, 2026
At the time, Enviva was dealing with problems at some plants that made it difficult to fulfill obligations to customers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
It isn’t a requirement to carry a full mechanic’s set, and you can likely find a kit that will fulfill your needs at almost any price range.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 20, 2026
Ramdin called member states of the OAS -- an organization that promotes cooperation in the Americas -- and other partners that have pledged support for an international gang suppression force to fulfill their commitments.
From Barron's ● Aug. 19, 2026
She was going to fulfill Elena’s second command—but the first...that might lead her into trouble.
From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas
And in that way, it will have fulfilled its Netflix destiny.
From Salon ● Sep. 2, 2026
“I feel very fulfilled with the 15 years that I’ve been able to play and compete at such a high level and I am proud to say that I’m retiring from the WNBA,” Ogwumike said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026
“The reality of today’s NBA is that often the potential of teams is not fulfilled because of money,” Wembanyama told the Athletic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 9, 2026
A 99-year-old care home resident in south-west Scotland has fulfilled his wish to show a cow at his local agricultural show one more time.
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
Her duty fulfilled, Mrs. Clarke turned to go.
From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood
But if you’re looking for joy online, we have diversions to help make this day fulfilling.
From Slate ● Sep. 11, 2026
For some people, it’s fulfilling their vision of the American dream.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026
GS: Entering into a professional relationship with a friend can be inspiring and fulfilling, but also complicated.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026
Joe said he was fulfilling a long-held ambition.
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
It wasn’t like she wasn’t fulfilling Elena’s command to win, either—she would have fought this hard to become the King’s Champion anyway.
From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas
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.
