achieve

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 It is also achieved by planting a variety of vegetables throughout the growing season. Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 29 May 2026 By employing his knowledge of advanced technology to achieve his goal of crafting a spaceship to transport life-giving water back to his dry planet, Newton creates enormous wealth for his insane aqua-ark idea. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 29 May 2026 Their antagonism peaked at the end of Season 3, when Deborah achieves her dream of landing a late-night chair and Ava blackmails her way into the head-writer job. Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 29 May 2026 The biggest hurdle is achieving Federal Aviation Administration certification. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for achieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for achieve
Verb
  • Prevost also commanded an infantry landing craft, and after 15 months overseas, attained the rank of lieutenant junior grade, according to a note on the Pentagon website published soon after Leo’s election.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
  • Both wish to attain logic rather than express emotion.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
Verb
  • This change was partly accomplished by the creation of the Access Artist Advisory Board, which was dedicated to making things more accessible — physically and emotionally, but also financially.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
  • So what’s Aiyuk accomplishing by bashing the 49ers repeatedly on social media?
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Similar to congressional races, but unlike county-level elections, the top two vote-getters will advance to the November election regardless of whether either candidate wins a majority of the vote.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • Edina has won nine straight games since suffering that defeat.
    Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Lizete González, a Mexico fan, said the city has a long way to go to fulfill its promises.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
  • The standard must be whether outcomes justified the investment, promises were fulfilled, and measurable results were achieved.
    Michele Steeb, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Join today to gain access to our latest series ‘Fashion’s Real Reset Starts Now’.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 7 June 2026
  • In that election, Republicans gained support from some Black male voters in battleground states.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • Cook has performed at Darcelle’s since the 1990s and has spent 38 years in drag.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • Trump has undergone four medical checkups in 13 months, prompting questions about the frequency of his visits, the types of tests being performed and what doctors are looking for.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • The month of May brought our Orange County Artist of the Year, Memorial Day, the Ducks making the playoffs as well as spring high school sports.
    Michele Cardon, Oc Register, 9 June 2026
  • East Coweta’s Chance Gilbert, a major UGA target for the 2027 class at cornerback, has made a sudden and surprising commitment to Auburn.
    Jeff Sentell, AJC.com, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Since then, the state has executed six other inmates with the method, and Louisiana has used it once.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 9 June 2026
  • The compromise packages executed a 28 KB payload that steals credentials from AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes, password managers, and over 90 developer tool configurations.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Achieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/achieve. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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