accomplish

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 Being able to work with anyone, get things done in the face of adversity and accomplish the task at hand, in spite of naysayers, road blockers and opponents. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026 Implementing efficiency and priority can accomplish this. Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 4 May 2026 Manchester United have qualified for the Champions League, which is mission accomplished for Michael Carrick. Phil Hay, New York Times, 4 May 2026 This essay is part of a series developed in collaboration with World Business Chicago wherein accomplished authors envision what Chicago could and should look like in 2050. Alaina Harkness, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for accomplish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accomplish
Verb
  • The telling is harrowing, but also humorous at times, and achieves an emotional register that had me, essentially, transfixed.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • If Pan American Airways represented, at its height, victory and suavity, the country achieving a kind of European state of grace, then Spirit was the exact opposite—synonymous with the rowdy and the rude at the heart of the American character.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • King Charles' wife then became known as Queen Camilla, fulfilling the late Queen Elizabeth's wish that her daughter-in-law would step into the role when her son acceded.
    Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
  • Like other Jews of the time, including the Sadducees, the Essenes and Jesus himself, the Pharisees were deeply interested in determining how best to fulfill divine will.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • To put it mildly, Bain didn’t perform like a rookie.
    Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2026
  • Post-cycling analysis to evaluate condition The researchers also performed post-cycling analysis after 50 cycles, using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to evaluate the condition of the electrodes.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • In the end, Erik Heil and the Germans closed to within a boat length at the final turning mark, and Botin was forced to execute a high-pressure tack to stay ahead and claim second.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • Wide-ranging and unpredictable symptoms can disrupt a menopausal woman’s ability to concentrate and execute tasks at work.
    Shirley Velasquez, Flow Space, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Should Congress do more to hold the president accountable?
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
  • Wins and losses in this league for starters are highly dependent on a lot of other guys doing their jobs as well.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The first-stage booster is making its sixth trip to space and will attempt a recovery landing at Landing Zone 40 adjacent the launch pad.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
  • Battista, who has been back for a week, is making an immediate impact.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Similar protocols were implemented in March after more than 150 people aboard another Princess Cruises ship touring the Caribbean also became sick with norovirus.
    Nollaig O'Connor, NBC news, 9 May 2026
  • For over a decade, Congress has passed provisions in budget bills that bar the DOJ from using taxpayer money to interfere with states’ ability to implement medical marijuana programs.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Accomplish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accomplish. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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