implement

noun

im·ple·ment | \ ˈim-plə-mənt

Definition of implement

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an article serving to equip the implements of religious worship

2 : a device used in the performance of a task : tool, utensil

3 : one that serves as an instrument or tool the partnership agreement does not seem to be a very potent implement— H. B. Hoffman

implement

verb

im·ple·ment | \ ˈim-plə-ˌment

implemented; implementing; implements

Definition of implement (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : carry out, accomplish especially : to give practical effect to and ensure of actual fulfillment by concrete measures

2 : to provide instruments or means of expression for

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

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Other Words from implement

Verb

implementation \ ˌim-plə-mən-ˈtā-shən ,

-ˌmen- \ noun

implementer or implementor \ ˈim-plə-ˌmen-tər

\ noun

Synonyms for implement

Synonyms: Noun

device, instrument, tool, utensil

Synonyms: Verb

administer, apply, enforce, execute

Choose the Right Synonym for implement

Noun

implement, tool, instrument, appliance, utensil mean a relatively simple device for performing work. implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task. crude stone implements farm implements tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement. a carpenter's tools instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work. the dentist's instruments appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment. household appliances utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity. kitchen utensils

Examples of implement in a Sentence

Noun

They eat with us, do the beach with us; the girls, K.C. and Jessica, buy kitchen implements for us, come over to casually straighten up, make beds, clear the dishes from the sink and the bedrooms … — Dave Eggers, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, 2000 In the toolhouse … there were also antique implements worn like prehistoric artifacts: an ancient oblong pink whetstone pointed at either end and soapily warped by all its use, and an old-fashioned square hoe worn into a lopsided metal oval … — John Updike, The Afterlife, 1994 There was a little implement called a lemon zester that she had bought from a door-to-door salesman. — Ann Beattie, New Yorker, 28 Dec. 1987 stone implements used in prehistoric times a sharp-edged implement used to chop wood

Verb

A federal interagency group should develop and implement a risk management strategy to reduce human exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like chemicals in food, says a report from the Institute of Medicine … — Bette Hileman, Chemical & Engineering News, 7 July 2003 … drew scattered snickers when he implemented a dress code for Senate staffers … — Michelle Cottle, New Republic, 12 July 1999 States remain years behind in implementing child support regulations … — New York Times, 30 Dec. 1997 I wondered how I might best implement his plan. Due to high costs, the program was never fully implemented.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Same goes for implement controls: Lift or lower the mowing deck, raise and lower or manipulate any of the attachments. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "The Year of the Tractor," 7 May 2016 The dollar could rise to 7.5 yuan next year if the U.S. implements more tariffs on Chinese imports, while a trade deal and reduced tariffs could push the yuan to 6.5, a report from UBS Global Wealth Management said. — Julie Wernau, WSJ, "U.S.-China Trade Worries Drag Down Yuan," 6 Dec. 2018 Hobos scrawled the secret language with whatever writing implements were available—a lump of coal, chalk, a nail, or even a sharp-edged rock. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "The Hobo Hieroglyphs: Their Secret Symbols, Explained," 21 Nov. 2018 Sales were driven by Acuvue contact lenses, surgical implements and wound-closure products. — Linda A. Johnson, The Seattle Times, "Prescription drugs, lower taxes, power J&J 3Q beat," 16 Oct. 2018 Within the standard set of deathmatch, capture-the-flag, and free-for-all modes, Black Ops 4 implements two new systems that purport to change the gameplay significantly. — Julie Muncy, Ars Technica, "Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 review: War games, now with battle royale!," 19 Oct. 2018 In Endless West’s 1,800-square-foot lab, there are no implements ordinarily associated with making wine or whiskey. — Alan Goldfarb, The Verge, "Artificial whiskey is coming, and one company is betting you’ll drink up," 23 Aug. 2018 Despite his large fleet of implements, McCloskey does not farm. — Mitchell Kirk, Post-Tribune, "Cass County man collects tractors from around the world," 6 July 2018 The former physics major — who uses single-length irons, relies on vector putting and implements a single-plane swing — has made plenty of noise with his unorthodox methods. — Dargan Southard, USA TODAY, "Bryson DeChambeau says compass was never meant to 'skirt the rules'," 11 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

So to help make sure the program would be effectively implemented, J-PAL and IPA put in a bit of extra investment. — Meagan Neal, Vox, "It’s hard to design good policies. This simple idea can help governments do it.," 21 Dec. 2018 McGuire says the idea for the minority-engagement program was sparked by similar initiatives that had been implemented in Franklin County, which houses Ohio's capital city, Columbus. — Jewel Wicker, Teen Vogue, "How a Democratic "Minority-Engagement Program" Is Fighting Ohio's Voter-Roll Purges and Their Impact on Black People," 9 Oct. 2018 Fare transparency: Airlines will still have to advertise the entire price of the ticket, including mandatory fees and taxes, preserving a rule that the airlines have fought to repeal ever since it was implemented in 2012. — Barbara Peterson, Condé Nast Traveler, "How the New FAA Bill Will Affect Air Travelers," 24 Sep. 2018 It was used to test and then implement flood-control protections that quantifiably saved lives. — Nate Berg, Curbed, "Can engineering save Louisiana’s coastline?," 7 Nov. 2018 Alford has more than 35 years of experience providing neuropsychological evaluations and implementing therapies such as neurofeedback and non-invasive neuro-stimulation techniques. — Michelle Mullins, Naperville Sun, "Naperville People in the News," 13 July 2018 Lake County has started implementing a new policy to regulate employees’ internet usage at work. — Craig Lyons, Post-Tribune, "Lake County moves to limit employees' internet use," 6 July 2018 Saudi Arabia, which has controlling financial interests in media companies across the Middle East, is implementing a massive change in its approach to media production in ways that will diversify content and target new audiences. — Rachel Gandin Mark, The Hollywood Reporter, "Can Netflix Transform the Television Landscape in the Middle East?," 27 June 2018 Catholic Charities Fort Worth has sheltered 28 immigrant children separated from parents — and reunited 16 with caregivers — since the government first implemented President Donald Trump's zero tolerance policy in April. — Diane Smith And Anna M. Tinsley, star-telegram, "Fort Worth shelter has seen a 'revolving door' of immigrant children," 27 June 2018

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