perform

verb

per·form | \pər-ˈfȯrm,

pə-\

performed; performing; performs

Definition of perform

transitive verb

1 : to adhere to the terms of : fulfill perform a contract

2 : carry out, do

3a : to do in a formal manner or according to prescribed ritual

b : to give a rendition of : present

intransitive verb

1 : to carry out an action or pattern of behavior : act, function

2 : to give a performance : play

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

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Other Words from perform

performability \ pər-ˌfȯr-mə-ˈbi-lə-tē ,

pə- \ noun

performable \ pər-ˈfȯr-mə-bəl ,

pə- \ adjective

performer \ pər-ˈfȯr-mər ,

pə- \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for perform

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 perform in a Sentence

The doctor had to perform surgery immediately. The magician performed some amazing tricks. The gymnasts performed their routines perfectly. You are required to perform 50 hours of community service. The band will be performing on the main stage. She's a wonderful singer who loves to perform before a live audience. The band will perform songs from their new album. The class performed the play for the school.

Recent Examples on the Web

Esther Blessing is a professor and researcher at NYU who performs and reviews clinical trials on CBD’s effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress, anxiety, substance addiction, and other conditions. — Dan Nosowitz, Vox, "The super-popular cannabis compound, explained.," 1 Nov. 2018 Prior to performing for judges Randy Travis, Simon Cowell, and Paula Abdul, a visibly nervous Carrie paced the hallway as her mother gave an interview. — Taysha Murtaugh, Country Living, "Carrie Underwood's 'American Idol' Audition Is Even Better Than We Remembered," 28 Oct. 2018 Some cooks prefer to substitute a 5-inch utility knife (or up to 7 inches, depending upon the size of your hand) that can perform a paring knife’s tasks, but can also be used for slicing fruits, vegetables, and cheeses. — Francine Maroukian, Popular Mechanics, "How To Buy Kitchen Knives Like a Pro," 24 Oct. 2018 Aside from performing for huge events (the 2015 Billboard Music Awards, for example), the 32-year-old musician has over 11 million YouTube subscribers and boasts a video collection that has allegedly amassed over 1.9 billion views. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "'Dancing With the Stars' Trio Guest Lindsey Stirling Was Once Blasted on 'America's Got Talent'," 16 Oct. 2018 It is designed to illustrate the principle of conservation of angular momentum and includes handy tips on how to optimize your chances of successfully performing the trick. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Physics holds the key to performing the flipping water bottle trick," 8 Oct. 2018 In 1988, Congress passed the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, requiring all labs that perform tests on humans to be accredited and to adhere to quality standards. — Kayla Webley Adler, Marie Claire, "When Your Dreams of Motherhood Are Destroyed," 1 Oct. 2018 Detectives arrested Madruga Thursday on two felony counts of performing a lewd act on a child under 14 and two felony counts of harassing or molesting a child under 18, George said. — City News Service, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Man, 66, arrested, suspected of molesting a child at a hotel pool," 13 July 2018 Clifford, who performs under the name Stormy Daniels, appeared at Sirens Gentlemen’s Club in northeastern Columbus on Wednesday . — BostonGlobe.com, "Charges dropped against Stormy Daniels in strip club arrest," 13 July 2018

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