Definition of accomplishnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb accomplish contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of accomplish are achieve, discharge, effect, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How are the words achieve and accomplish related?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

When might discharge be a better fit than accomplish?

The synonyms discharge and accomplish are sometimes interchangeable, but discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

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

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

effected sweeping reforms

When can execute be used instead of accomplish?

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

executed the hit-and-run

In what contexts can fulfill take the place of accomplish?

The words fulfill and accomplish 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 accomplish?

The words perform and accomplish can be used in similar contexts, but 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 accomplish Click Here to listen] Ford discusses the challenges facing the non-profit sector in Arkansas and how the foundation helps non-profits accomplish their missions. Arkansas Online, 10 July 2026 The landing on Friday makes the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and its subsidiary, the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), the third enterprise to accomplish this feat. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026 Tolbert accomplished a feat done just three times in the modern era. Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026 To accomplish the goal, Danagoulian proposed a satellite fitted with a detector array constructed of pixels. Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for accomplish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accomplish
Verb
  • Researchers achieve this by mounting a lightweight backpack, which houses a microcontroller, a radio receiver, and a power source, on the insect.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
  • Panelists warned about a future where Christian nationalists subvert democratic systems in order to achieve a larger goal of garnering special power and privilege for Christians.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • Clubs are allowed to name a maximum of 25 senior players for UEFA tournaments, though eight of those must be homegrown, with four having been ‘club trained’ (the latter requirement that Newcastle failed to fulfil in either 2023-24 or 2025-26).
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • Let the city fund the two-year programs to help transition these workers into new and fulfilling careers.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • But for many Georgians who volunteered, worked, performed or attended the Games, the memories that have endured are far more personal.
    Andrea Clement, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
  • One of Ramboll’s innovations is to address reactive power, a component of electricity that does not perform useful work but is essential in maintaining electrical and magnetic fields and controlling voltage levels.
    Drew Robb, IEEE Spectrum, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • Abarca called the hearing after Homeland Security Investigations executed a criminal search warrant at the food manufacturer, an operation that resulted in multiple people being taken into custody.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026
  • Don’t expect your kid to get the hang of it on day one, and don’t force them to execute their routine perfectly every morning, without any fuss or pushback.
    Parents, Parents, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Abreu, a two-time Gold Glover in right field, did his part against the Rays with a pair of two-homer games.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Daniel isn’t this devil’s only minion; Armand’s got an Illumination movie’s worth of cronies doing his bidding.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • In 2020, as critics of standardized tests made similar equity arguments, the UC system decided to remove the use of SAT and ACT test scores in admissions.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • What makes this harder to believe is that the night before, Gavin accused Kenny of lying to him for years, and Kenny likened him to Bernie Madoff.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Saunders was the founder of the nonprofit Baltimore Academy of Sports and Entertainment, which was implemented into the Baltimore City Public School System in 2020.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Blanche backed down and said the Justice Department would not implement the fund.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accomplish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accomplish. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on accomplish

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster