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
Derived 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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Commonly Misspelled Words, List 6
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Ungifted
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Right now, the England attack needs bowlers to fulfill three roles, in addition to skipper Stokes.
From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026
“In a weird way, I would’ve rather missed the WBC and win a World Series than getting to fulfill a life dream of playing in Puerto Rico after losing a World Series,” Hernández said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
Universities can strengthen the programs by allowing civics classes to fulfill core requirements for the general student population as well.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
“The debate about whether AI will fulfill its promise as a productivity enhancer won’t be settled for quite some time,” said Jeffery Buchbinder, chief equity strategist at LPL Financial.
From Barron's • May 7, 2026
Team Seabiscuit was slated to stop off in Maryland to fulfill a promise to Alfred Vanderbilt to run in Pimlico’s Dixie Handicap, then go on to meet War Admiral in New York.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
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.
