discharge 1 of 2

Definition of dischargenext
1
as in firing
a directed propelling of a missile by a firearm or artillery piece the thunderous discharge of the cannons

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in release
a freeing from an obligation or responsibility a full discharge from responsibility for the accident

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in dismissal
the termination of the employment of an employee or a work force often temporarily she was resentful over what she felt was a wrongful discharge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

discharge

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to fire
to cause (a projectile) to be driven forward with force Robert Goddard was the first to discharge a rocket containing an instrument package

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in to pay
to give what is owed for discharge a debt in full

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5
6
as in to shoot
to cause a weapon to release a missile with great force felt a strong recoil as the rifle discharged

Synonyms & Similar Words

7

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb discharge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discharge are accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

In what contexts can accomplish take the place of discharge?

The words accomplish and discharge can be used in similar contexts, but accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How do achieve and accomplish relate to one another, in the sense of discharge?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

How are the words effect and achieve related as synonyms of discharge?

Effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles.

effected sweeping reforms

When might execute be a better fit than discharge?

While in some cases nearly identical to discharge, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When would fulfill be a good substitute for discharge?

The words fulfill and discharge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When could perform be used to replace discharge?

While the synonyms perform and discharge are close in meaning, perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

How does the verb discharge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discharge are accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

In what contexts can accomplish take the place of discharge?

The words accomplish and discharge can be used in similar contexts, but accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How do achieve and accomplish relate to one another, in the sense of discharge?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

How are the words effect and achieve related as synonyms of discharge?

Effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles.

effected sweeping reforms

When might execute be a better fit than discharge?

While in some cases nearly identical to discharge, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When would fulfill be a good substitute for discharge?

The words fulfill and discharge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When could perform be used to replace discharge?

While the synonyms perform and discharge are close in meaning, perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of discharge
Noun
The substances can enter marine environments through wastewater discharge, runoff, and other forms of pollution. Jessica Botelho, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026 But their discharge petition, introduced last week, is short of the 218 signatures needed to move forward. CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, in particular, can discharge many types of unsecured debt, including credit card balances. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026 One of those models is also equipped with a turret that can extend 65 feet (20 meters) to penetrate inside an aircraft and discharge firefighting chemicals. Jake Offenhartz, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discharge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discharge
Noun
  • That tag is estimated at around $28 million against the cap, a significant one‑year cost but a price Dallas is apparently willing to pay to keep the offensive engine firing.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The six-minute five-second engine firing will boost the ship's velocity by about 900 mph, just enough to push it out of Earth's orbit to begin the four-day coast to the moon.
    William Harwood, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Kovacich’s parole hearing came amid heightened scrutiny of California’s early release programs for inmates.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Relatives have been seeking information about their whereabouts and demanded their immediate release.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Additionally, Redd filed a motion seeking the dismissal of the lawsuit for failure to state a claim.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The sentence followed a similar plea deal for her co-defendant and boyfriend, Dhante Jackson, who won the dismissal of murder and child abuse charges in October of last year in exchange for a no contest plea on a lone accessory count.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Borrowers, particularly private equity firms, increasingly turned to direct lenders offering faster execution and looser terms.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The skull had an apparent gunshot wound consistent with an execution-style killing, investigators said.
    Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Once North Carolina fired Hubert Davis after five seasons, Billy Donovan immediately rose to the top of the list of favorites to become the next head coach of the storied program.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • One of the reasons American troops would be vulnerable on Kharg Island is its close proximity to the Iranian mainland, from which missiles, drones and artillery could be fired.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In San Martin that day, a helicopter landed, unloading between 20 and 30 soldiers who entered a property and detained five people who had been sowing grass and tending to pastures, the complaint said.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The shooter and his pals passed the gun to each other in a bedroom, loading and unloading the ammo, prosecutors say.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And the Panthers feel safe with the rest of their inside linebacker depth to not have to pay a lot of money to retain a backup, particularly with the way Cherelus played in 2025.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The parents had each paid nine hundred dollars; most had found Squire online.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Initial efforts to free it and coax it back toward deeper water, including using coast guard and fire department boats to create large waves, were unsuccessful.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Ahead of the larger summer crowds, Makwana said police will have support from park rangers and parking enforcement officers to free up SDPD officers to focus on public safety issues.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Discharge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discharge. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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