LIFEWORK Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

lifework

noun

Definition of lifework

as in work

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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 lifework Spreading that message is Bigtree’s lifework. — Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026 Four years after Farmer’s death, Clinton reflects on preserving her mentor’s lifework in health care and remembers his tender tenacity. — Chelsea Clinton, Vanity Fair, 24 Feb. 2026 How an accident led to a career Pruitt came to his lifework literally by accident. — Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 20 Nov. 2024 From a restricted viewing area not far away, Louise Prockter, a graceful scientist with sandy hair, glanced at a countdown clock and then back at the rocket, which carried her lifework. — David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lifework

Noun

Through the mid-1980s, Wolfram continued this work, discovering a number of fundamental connections between computation and nature, and inventing such concepts as computational irreducibility.

— Big Think, Big Think, 4 Aug. 2026
This kind of telescope is ideal for solar work, being a good size aperture to reveal fine detail, but not so large as to be severely affected by daytime atmospheric turbulence.

— Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of work

Noun

The Kennedy assassination all at once gave Martin a vocation and a network of pen pals and phone buddies; her monomania also provided her kids with an opportunity for experiential learning in a pre-digital era.

— Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 6 Aug. 2026
Freelancers, whether artists, journalists or teachers, need proof of their vocation with, say, a diploma or a license, along with evidence of financial means.

— Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 14 July 2026

Definition of vocation

Noun

Software developers, whose profession has been transformed by AI and suffered dramatic job losses since 2022, are back in demand with postings rising 14%.

— Irina Anghel, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026
One minute Tony Romo is CBS Sports’ lead NFL analyst, looking forward to another season at the top of his profession.

— Greg Cote August 2, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of profession

Noun

And the divide is especially stark for workers without bachelor’s degrees; nearly two-thirds of city occupations do not require a four-year degree, but their median wage is almost $60,000 lower than for occupations that do.

— Emma Pfohman, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
The Glenwood native and Bloom High School graduate tried a few occupations after high school but wasn’t all that comfortable with them.

— Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of occupation

Noun

Cost-of-living challenges are near the top of the party’s platform this cycle.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Of all the charismatic, 34-year-old Mayor’s initiatives aimed at lowering living costs, the one that’s garnered the most coverage is his proposal to get Gotham into the grocery business.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of living

Noun

With a pretty 24-year-old brunette isolated in their quarantine quarters, Apollo 11’s astronauts Wednesday completed the 10-day task of discussing with experts the details of their moon-landing mission.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Sammy Watkins is the director of chaplains and does outreach work for the mission.

— Beret Leone, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of mission

Noun

Whether by virtue of personnel, schemes or play-calling, the team that had finished in the top six in NFL scoring the previous six seasons — including leading the league twice — has finished 15th, 15th and 21st the last three years.

— Vahe Gregorian July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Fewer people seem to question the hours devoted to leisure than the hours invested in a professional calling.

— Alexandra Kharazi, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of calling

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“Lifework.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lifework. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of lifework

noun

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