fulfill

American  

[fool-fil] / fʊlˈfɪl /

especially British, fulfil

verb (used with object)

fulfilled, fulfilling

1. to carry out, or bring to realization, as a prophecy or promise.

   Synonyms:

   realize, complete, achieve, accomplish

2. to perform or do, as duty; obey or follow, as commands.

   Synonyms:

   observe, discharge, execute

3. to satisfy (requirements, obligations, etc.).

   a book that fulfills a long-felt need.

   Synonyms:

   fill, answer, meet

4. 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.

   Synonyms:

   conclude, terminate, end

5. to develop the full potential of (usually used reflexively).

   She realized that she could never fulfill herself in such work.

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Other Word Forms

• fulfiller
  noun
• overfulfill
  verb (used with object)
• prefulfill
  verb (used with object)
• superfulfill
  verb (used with object)

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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fulfill fulfilled fulfilling

"For a two-set match, you have to hit at least 250 serves to be ready. He couldn't fulfill a full match in practice - his body and elbow wouldn't allow him."

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

In other words, Folayan concludes, the Pasha’s reaction was logical: Since the Americans had not fulfilled their contract, he did not consider himself obligated to fulfill his.

From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2026

I’m originally from Mexico, and when you come here, really feel like everybody has opportunity to really just fulfill whatever dream or whatever purpose God has for you.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2026

"But Tau and alpha synuclein also fulfill essential functions in healthy neurons - they help maintain cell structure and support communication by interacting with tubulin and contributing to microtubule assembly and stabilization."

From Science Daily ● Jun. 21, 2026

He had spent the previous four years, as he saw it, preparing to fulfill an absurd and onerous duty: to graduate from college.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

Beira's Place was established in 2022 by the Harry Potter author and other campaigners who claimed it fulfilled an unmet need for women-only support in the city.

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026

In other words, Folayan concludes, the Pasha’s reaction was logical: Since the Americans had not fulfilled their contract, he did not consider himself obligated to fulfill his.

From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2026

Ballmer admits introducing Leonard to Aspiration executives but has denied that he knew details of the endorsement deal that Leonard never fulfilled.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2026

A knock-on effect of this would be a deterioration of the problems already ongoing in the private-credit space, wherein many investor redemption requests could not be fulfilled owing to liquidity constraints.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 29, 2026

When the typhus fever had fulfilled its mission of devastation at Lowood, it gradually disappeared from thence; but not till its virulence and the number of its victims had drawn public attention on the school.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Lopez, the city manager, said the four targeted officials are still fulfilling their duties, despite the verbal attacks from Facebook and elsewhere.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

“What can I say? Being recognized by my peers in this way is the cherry on top of the most creatively fulfilling experience of my life,” Einbinder said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

Because we all deserve something quick yet fulfilling with minimum effort.

From Salon ● Jun. 29, 2026

Rather than every country having something to play for on matchday three, nine were basically fulfilling a fixture - four guaranteed to top the group, and five eliminated.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

As such, I have helped the recruit find secret accommodation on board to assist in fulfilling his mission.

From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys