execute

verb

Save Word

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

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 Conducting in-person contextual inquiries takes time to plan and execute, thus knowing how to properly strategize for a contextual interview can save you time from trial and error. — Goran Paun, Forbes, 13 May 2022 Federal agents execute a search warrant at Nathan Carman's residence on Fort Bridgman Road, in Vernon, Vt., after he was arrested and charged with the murders of his grandfather and mother on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. — Hartford Courant, 10 May 2022 Joe and Meg execute home renovations while using fresh materials to give old pieces of furniture a fresh start. — oregonlive, 30 Apr. 2022 In short, without an intermediary like a bank, smart contracts can automatically execute agreements such as loans, sales, and other financial transactions, in a way that is both trackable and irreversible. — Amiah Taylor, Fortune, 26 Apr. 2022 And unless she is granted clemency, the state of Texas will execute her for the murder of her 2-year-old daughter, Mariah, who died two days after tragically falling down a flight of stairs at their home in Harlingen. — ELLE, 31 Mar. 2022 But early on, Kofman said, Russian troops didn’t execute the basics of convoy escort, which involves armored vehicles and soldiers traveling with and defending vulnerable logistics vehicles. — Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2022 With the state selected, players can then execute the registration process by providing some general signup details. — Xl Media, cleveland, 2 Mar. 2022 Vast schools of fish execute intricate high-speed maneuvers—splitting and re-forming behind a predator, for example, or bursting radially—and rarely bump into one another. — Vanessa Gregory, Harper’s Magazine , 16 Feb. 2022 See More

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.

Learn More About execute

Dictionary Entries Near execute

executant

execute

execution

Statistics for execute

Last Updated

17 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Execute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/execute. Accessed 25 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for execute

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