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 Before choosing a company, taxpayers should compare multiple providers, review fees carefully and understand what services are needed to achieve the best outcome. Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026 With initial tests scheduled by the end of 2026, the partnership aims to achieve operational functionality in the first two years, followed by further development and expansion. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026 Andrew Cunanan, and Beanie Feldstein’s wide-eyed Monica Lewinsky, a performance that might have achieved icon status had Disney not bungled the FX on Hulu rollout. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2026 But these are still non-modifiable, so most people will still depend on modulating their environment to achieve peak longevity, at least for now. Gilberto Lopes, STAT, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for achieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for achieve
Verb
  • His role as a pusher is key in helping the sled attain top speed.
    American-Statesman staff, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Perhaps more remarkable is how quickly it's attained its $380 billion valuation.
    Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Afterward, Azevedo pushed other councilmembers to pass an emergency shelter ordinance that would have made striking a deal for the housing units easier to accomplish, prosecutors claimed.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • From afar, this may seem tough to achieve, the sort of magic trick only a pastry chef could accomplish.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Aztecs won both games amid a six-game winning streak, but attendance dropped in each of their final three home games.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The winning bid for the rare card was placed by venture capitalist AJ Scaramucci, the son of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Androw, owner of E & D Pizza in Avon and a leader on the national pizza scene is known for using pizza for good causes from hunger to fulfilling the wishes of terminally ill children.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The Amazon distribution center in Stone Mountain is preparing to fulfill thousands of orders for Cyber Monday.
    Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • After 40 years beachside (and gaining a casual, semi-riotous rep for all the day-drinking amid the sand and surf), the Independent Spirit Awards has shacked up at the Hollywood Palladium.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Vast intends to launch a pathfinder station called Haven-1 to LEO in 2027, then use the experience gained to build and operate the multi-module Haven-2 over the next few years.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • By controlling edge recombination through passivation, these wafers can maintain strong carrier collection and high efficiency, translating their theoretical advantages into practical, high-performing solar cells.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
  • During dinner, musician Malcolm McRae — who’s featured in Simkhai’s campaign imagery, and is also Anya Taylor-Joy’s husband — performed a song for the crowd, while Mia Moretti stepped up for DJ duty.
    Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • When investigated using X-ray spectroscopy, these tags produced unique X-ray signatures that made the binders visible.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Hubbard broke the school record for career three-pointers made by sinking four at Ole Miss.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Talik Rashaun Garcia, 36, was arrested following a search warrant at an apartment on Peterborough Street, executed by officers from the Boston Police and Mass State Police, BPD said in a statement.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
  • He was executed by the Brigades on May 9, and his body was discovered in the trunk of a car in Rome.
    David Faris, TheWeek, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Achieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/achieve. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

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