calling
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for calling, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A strong inner urge to pursue a particular career or way of life.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use calling
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From "call" plus the suffix "-ing."
Full origin of calling →Frequently asked questions
What does “calling” mean?
The word “calling” means a strong inner urge to pursue a particular career or way of life. In plain terms, a career or purpose you feel deeply drawn to, almost as if it chose you.
How do you pronounce “calling”?
“Calling” is pronounced KAW-lihng (/ˈkɔlɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “calling” in a sentence?
Here is “calling” used in a sentence: “She always felt teaching was her true calling.”
What is another word for “calling”?
Words with a similar meaning to “calling” include vocation.
What part of speech is “calling”?
“Calling” is a noun.
Is “calling” a common word?
“Calling” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “calling” have?
“Calling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong inner urge to pursue a particular career or way of life.
What is the difference between a calling and a vocation?
The two are very close, and often used interchangeably. A calling stresses the strong inner pull toward a particular path, as if you were summoned to it. A vocation is the more formal word for that same sense of purpose, especially in work or service. A calling is felt; a vocation is the life it leads to.
How do you find your calling?
There is no single method, but most people uncover a calling by noticing what deeply engages them, what they would do even without reward, and where their strengths meet a genuine need. Trying different roles, reflecting on what feels meaningful, and paying attention to recurring urges all help reveal the path that fits.
What is an example of a calling?
Someone drawn to heal others may describe medicine or nursing as their calling; another might feel called to teach, create art, care for animals, or serve their community. The mark of a calling is that the work feels less like a chosen job and more like something you are meant to do.