Definition of achievenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb achieve contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of achieve are accomplish, discharge, effect, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

When might accomplish be a better fit than achieve?

While in some cases nearly identical to achieve, accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

In what contexts can discharge take the place of achieve?

The meanings of discharge and achieve largely overlap; however, discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

How are the words effect and achieve related?

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

effected sweeping reforms

When could execute be used to replace achieve?

The words execute and achieve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When is fulfill a more appropriate choice than achieve?

The synonyms fulfill and achieve are sometimes interchangeable, but fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When would perform be a good substitute for achieve?

In some situations, the words perform and achieve are roughly equivalent. However, 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 achieve The restructuring plan, called Elevate28, aims to achieve £500 million in savings by 2028, but is estimated to cost £400 million, with more job cuts expected by the end of the year. Sam Birchall, Fortune, 24 July 2026 For someone who has already achieved so much, Ainslie does harbour further dreams beyond winning the America’s Cup. Andrew Rice, New York Times, 24 July 2026 This term refers to using two or more peptides simultaneously to achieve different or complementary effects. Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 24 July 2026 To achieve currency stabilization Romeu proposes dollarizing the Cuban economy. Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for achieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for achieve
Verb
  • In Buddhism, bodhicitta is, essentially, a desire to attain enlightenment in order to free all beings from suffering.
    Goth Shakira, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • The Pentagon’s campaign of air strikes on Iranian targets, which is expanding again after weeks of a shaky cease-fire, has not put an end to Iran’s nuclear stockpiles or know-how, and has probably hardened its leaders’ resolve to attain a bomb.
    Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • My mother was very hard working and accomplished a lot on her own.
    New York Times, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Israeli officials said that their military used the two-thousand-pound bombs to destroy fortified tunnels, and although there are less indiscriminate ways to accomplish that objective, Republicans pounced.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Seoul — The AI gold rush is minting new fortunes, but the ex-wife of one of South Korea’s biggest tech titans has failed to win a greater share of his wealth as his company’s stock price has soared.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • In a career that ended in 2023, Harvick won 60 NASCAR Cup Series races, including the 2007 Daytona 500, three wins in the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2003, 2019, and 2020, and the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
    Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • The 21-year-old winger, who had been talking to The Athletic and other members of the English media, stopped chatting to fulfil the request.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • But the promise of something more meaningful from these sequences is never fulfilled.
    Elena Lazic, Variety, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Her office told me the bill essentially unlocks federal funds to help more neighborhoods gain protection from noise pollution.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 26 July 2026
  • Related movements like slowmaxxing, which encourages a deliberate slowing of routines and meals, have gained traction as a response to productivity culture.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • The actors also showcased their talent by performing scenes from the show, in tandem with clips projected onto the big panel screens for audiences.
    Diya Chacko, Oc Register, 24 July 2026
  • After performing very well in 2020-21, Leeds’ first season back in the Premier League after an absence of 16 years, Illan Meslier’s signature on a five-year contract was viewed as a long-term solution.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Purchases allegedly made by Burke under aliases also included cadaver bags, heavy-duty laundry bags, chain saws, a shovel and a fireproof mat, Byers testified.
    Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 22 July 2026
  • At least eight more games will be added to Sunderland’s calendar when UEFA’s draw is made in Nyon on August 28.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • Surpass the second apron, and a team loses its ability to execute most types of trades and most kinds of free-agent signings.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • From a fringed mullet, to a blonde buzz cut, bobs in various lengths, micro bangs, and even a shade of citrus—Kristen Stewart’s looks are always executed with an edge.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Achieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/achieve. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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