execute

verb

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ex·e·cute | \ ˈek-si-ˌkyüt

executed; executing

Definition of execute

transitive verb

1 : to carry out fully : put completely into effect execute a command

2 : to do what is provided or required by execute a decree

3 : to put to death especially in compliance with a legal sentence

4 : to make or produce (something, such as a work of art) especially by carrying out a design

5 : to perform what is required to give validity to execute a deed

6 : play execute a piece of music

intransitive verb

1 : to perform properly or skillfully the fundamentals of a sport or of a particular play never had a team execute better— Bobby Knight

2 : to perform indicated tasks according to encoded instructions —used of a computer program or routine

Other Words from execute Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about execute

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Choose the Right Synonym for execute

kill, slay, murder, assassinate, dispatch, execute mean to deprive of life. kill merely states the fact of death caused by an agency in any manner. killed in an accident frost killed the plants slay is a chiefly literary term implying deliberateness and violence but not necessarily motive. slew thousands of the Philistines murder specifically implies stealth and motive and premeditation and therefore full moral responsibility. convicted of murdering a rival assassinate applies to deliberate killing openly or secretly often for political motives. terrorists assassinated the Senator dispatch stresses quickness and directness in putting to death. dispatched the sentry with one bullet execute stresses putting to death as a legal penalty. executed by lethal gas

perform, execute, discharge, accomplish, achieve, effect, fulfill mean to carry out or into effect. perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill. performed gymnastics execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent. executed the hit-and-run discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks. discharged his duties accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out. accomplished everything they set out to do achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties. achieve greatness effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles. effected sweeping reforms fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities. fulfilled their ambitions

Examples of execute in a Sentence

He was captured, tried, and executed for murder. They carefully executed the plan. The pilot executed an emergency landing. The quarterback executed the play perfectly. execute the provisions of the will

Recent Examples on the Web The F-Type’s all-aluminum unibody chassis architecture keeps weight to 3,843 pounds, and use of aluminum for body panels allows precise lines and creases impossible to execute in steel. — Robert Ross, Robb Report, "On the Road: Jaguar’s 2021 F-Type R Coupe Has Its Claws Out for the Competition," 8 Apr. 2021 If a client wanted to move its Epsilon audience segments to Trade Desk to execute an ad buy, for example, Epsilon would work with the technology company to synchronize different data sets. — Alexandra Bruell, WSJ, "Publicis Groupe Signs On to Use Trade Desk’s Alternative to Cookies," 8 Apr. 2021 Constant assessment and reflection lead to a plan to execute on what has been learned. — Alyssa Wright, Forbes, "An Interview With Take The Lead’s Gloria Feldt: It’s Time To Do Women’s Leadership Development Differently," 6 Apr. 2021 Fees to buy the cryptocurrency ether, to transfer it to my crypto wallet, and to execute a purchase, which included an eye-popping mining charge due to congestion on the network. — Julia Horowitz, CNN, "High fees and pricey cowboy boots: Why crypto spending isn't about to go mainstream," 4 Apr. 2021 As a major, Burbrink oversaw the Criminal Interdiction Division, which was responsible for requesting and attempting to execute the search warrant at Taylor's apartment. — Tessa Duvall, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville police withhold records in major's demotion for butting into Breonna Taylor case," 3 Apr. 2021 This is essentially a matter of developing the confidence to execute assignments quickly in pressure moments. — Michael Casagrande | Mcasagrande@al.com, al, "What Saban saw from freshmen in first Alabama scrimmage," 3 Apr. 2021 Whether it’s defending the run, dropping into coverage, or rushing the passer, Collins has the requisite skill set required to execute and was arguably the most dynamic defensive playmaker in college football for the 2020 season. — cleveland, "Tulsa LB Zaven Collins has envisioned rushing with Myles Garrett: ‘Yeah, that quarterback’s probably going to be in trouble’," 2 Apr. 2021 In response to Henderson’s Facebook post, Lee noted that the commission already shapes a county spending plan and argued that shifting budget employees would enable them to better execute the responsibilities already in their purview. — Bethany Rodgers, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson blasts Utah County Commission for power grab," 31 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'execute.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

11 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Execute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/execute. Accessed 13 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for execute

execute

verb

English Language Learners Definition of execute

: to kill (someone) especially as punishment for a crime

: to do (something that you have planned to do or been told to do)

: to do or perform (an action or movement that requires skill)

See the full definition for execute in the English Language Learners Dictionary

execute

verb

ex·e·cute | \ ˈek-sə-ˌkyüt

executed; executing

Kids Definition of execute

1 : to kill according to a legal order

2 : to put into effect : perform or carry out execute a plan

3 : to make according to a design The painting was executed in bright colors.

execute

transitive verb

ex·e·cute | \ ˈek-si-ˌkyüt

executed; executing

Legal Definition of execute

1 : perform: as

a : to carry out fully includes not only executed violence, but also threatened violence — Louisiana Civil Code

b : to do what is provided or required by execute a contract execute a search warrant

c : to deem (a use in property) to confer full seisin in a cestui que use by operation of the Statute of Uses

2 : to perform what is required to give validity to especially : to complete (as by signing and delivering) in proper form execute a note execute a deed

3 : to put to death in compliance with a judicial death sentence

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