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

The tools were chisels and gouges with a variety of blades; Mr. Esterly had 130 such implements on hand at his workbench. — BostonGlobe.com, "David Esterly, master carver steeped in history and nature, dies at 75," 22 June 2019 Spend a day in a one room schoolhouse, where quill pens and slates are the writing implements, create a shadow portrait, and take a scenic hike through the Nathan Hale State Forest. — courant.com, "Community News For The Windham Edition," 20 June 2019 But Wade said PrEP is just another implement in the health care toolbox, like condoms, to prevent HIV. — James Causey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Taking the HIV medication PrEP is 90% effective. A new drive aims to get more gay black Milwaukee men on it.," 20 June 2019 In action, this summer 2019 game looks like the silly manipulate-anything concept of Job Simulator, only with an increased emphasis on smashy-smash lunacy that combines traditional weapons, supercharged implements of destruction, and everyday items. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "E3’s first VR-exclusive gaming press conference was actually pretty rad," 10 June 2019 Spend a day in a one room schoolhouse, where quill pens and slates are the writing implements, create a shadow portrait, and take a scenic hike through the Nathan Hale State Forest. — courant.com, "Community News For The Windham Edition," 20 June 2019 Or grab a giant monument like Bunker Hill and use it as a deadly implement? — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Godzilla: King of the Monsters," 31 May 2019 Spend a day in a one room schoolhouse, where quill pens and slates are the writing implements, create a shadow portrait, and take a scenic hike through the Nathan Hale State Forest. — courant.com, "Community News For The Windham Edition," 6 June 2019 The new locking technology also reduces wear on the individual implements, the company says. — Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, "Leatherman Rethinks the Multitool. This Time With Magnets.," 17 Apr. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Industry observers are of the view that the move must be implemented carefully. — Sangeeta Tanwar, Quartz India, "India’s union budget brings bad news for some big listed companies," 5 July 2019 Sewer service charges would be implemented annually beginning July 1, 2019, through July 1, 2023. — Julie Gallant, Ramona Sentinel, "Water board considers water, sewer rate hikes," 2 July 2019 Powered and implemented by Interactive Data Managed Solutions. — Fortune, "Graphic Packaging Holding," 1 July 2019 Should the new law be implemented, doctors who perform dilation and evacuation abortions could face up to six years in prison as well as felony charges. — Sarah Midkiff, refinery29.com, "Indiana Abortion Law Banning Second Trimester Procedures Blocked By Federal Judge," 30 June 2019 Sessions cited a 2015 ruling by the federal appeals court in New Orleans that blocked a separate immigration policy implemented by Obama and the expansion of the DACA program. — Dallas News, "Supreme Court will decide whether Trump has the power to end DACA," 28 June 2019 Max expanded college credit opportunities for high school students and implemented a five-year curriculum cycle for secondary education there, according to the release. — Linda Girardi, Aurora Beacon-News, "West Aurora appoints administrator, high school dean of students," 14 June 2019 Her own usage of it often conceals the fact that structures are created and implemented by people. — Sahil Handa, National Review, "Why I’m No Longer Talking to Anyone about Anything," 13 June 2019 This was all made possible—in part—by the policies implemented by New Dealers in America and Social Democrats in Western Europe. — Conor Lynch, The New Republic, "The Left’s Failure to Envision a World Without Capitalism," 12 June 2019

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.