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

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 The other invention that shaped today's pencil happened at the other end of the implement. — Jonathan Schifman, Popular Mechanics, "The Write Stuff: How the Humble Pencil Conquered the World," 16 Aug. 2016 Buy the Basics The single most important cutting implement in any kitchen is the chef's knife, which comes in sizes between 6 and 14 inches. — The Good Housekeeping Institute, Good Housekeeping, "How to Buy a Chef's Knife," 2 May 2012 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

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

A few months ago, Oregon became the first state to implement statewide rent control. — New York Times, "How New Rent Laws in N.Y. Help All Tenants," 21 June 2019 The archdiocese is requiring all Catholic schools to implement contracts and ministerial job descriptions that state all ministers must convey and be supportive of all teachings of the Catholic Church. — Arika Herron, Indianapolis Star, "Brebeuf Jesuit is no longer part of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. What that means for the school.," 21 June 2019 The university is also planning to implement an institution-wide reporting, monitoring, and tracking system in the late fall to facilitate and maintain the collection of information, including complaints. — Kathleen Megan, courant.com, "Central Connecticut professors depart university after sexual misconduct investigations," 20 June 2019 The first two precincts that got cameras each took a little more than a month to implement the cameras. — Rocky Baier, azcentral, "Body cameras rolled out to Phoenix police in South Mountain area," 20 June 2019 The nonprofit would also be allowed to solicit bids and select developers to implement projects. — Erin B. Logan, baltimoresun.com, "Committee recommends creating organization to revitalize economy of flood-prone Ellicott City," 18 June 2019 That sector is worth trillions of dollars, is enormously profitable, and yet has struggled to implement its own digital currency. — Jennifer Grygiel, The Conversation, "With cryptocurrency launch, Facebook sets its path toward becoming an independent nation," 18 June 2019 If the Tories wish to implement Brexit while retaining an ounce of fiscal responsibility, promising such prolonged uncertainty (in addition to fantastical public spending) is not the way forward. — Sahil Handa, National Review, "If It’s ‘Time for Boris,’ the Clock Has Stopped Working," 17 June 2019 The judge said the government couldn’t implement a policy that strips minors of the right to make their own reproductive choices. — Jessica Gresko, BostonGlobe.com, "Court rules against Trump on migrant teen abortion prohibition," 14 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.