Synonyms of achieve

achieve

verb

ə-ˈchēv 

1

as in to attain

to obtain (as a goal) through effort

finally achieved stardom

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attain
• win
• gain
• make
• obtain
• score
• hit
• garner
• get
• secure
• capture
• acquire
• log
• realize
• land
• procure
• clock (up)
• excel
• rack up
• ring up
• draw
• notch (up)
• carry
• chalk up
• match
• bag
• meet
• tie
• approach
• equal
• surpass
• touch
• amount (to)
• top
• measure up (to)
• outdo
• rival
• beat

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• miss
• fail (at)
• lose
• fall short (of)

2

as in to accomplish

to carry through (as a process) to completion

finally achieved his purpose, which was to form a first-class boys' choir made up of inner-city kids

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accomplish
• fulfil
• fulfill
• perform
• execute
• do
• make
• implement
• carry out
• negotiate
• commit
• prosecute
• perpetrate
• pull off
• complete
• carry off
• put through
• realize
• finish
• go through
• follow through (with)
• attain
• effectuate
• compass
• effect
• bring off
• bring about
• practice
• practise
• engage (in)
• work (at)
• ace
• repeat
• end
• nail
• reenact
• actualize
• wind up
• reduplicate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fail
• slight
• skimp
• slur

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb achieve contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of achieve are accomplish, discharge, effect, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

When might accomplish be a better fit than achieve?

While in some cases nearly identical to achieve, accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

In what contexts can discharge take the place of achieve?

The meanings of discharge and achieve largely overlap; however, discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

How are the words effect and achieve related?

Effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles.

effected sweeping reforms

When could execute be used to replace achieve?

The words execute and achieve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When is fulfill a more appropriate choice than achieve?

The synonyms fulfill and achieve are sometimes interchangeable, but fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When would perform be a good substitute for achieve?

In some situations, the words perform and achieve are roughly equivalent. However, perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of achieve

Norman Mailer achieved a similar thing in his non-fiction novel about Gary Gilmore The Executioner’s Song—although, by the time the book was published in 1979, the seedy, psychotic world of Gilmore and his two girlfriends, Nicole and April Baker, hardly came as a revelation. —Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025

The acquiring company expects to achieve cost synergies of at least $10 million across North America and on an annualized basis by the end of 2026. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025

Compared to human drivers, Waymo’s vehicles have achieved a 91% reduction in serious injury crashes, 92% fewer pedestrian injuries, and 80% fewer injury-causing crashes overall. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025

Obviously, the differential in power between Israelis and Palestinians is enormous, and Palestinians do not have the ability to force the kinds of concessions that are required to achieve their freedom and independence. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2025