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 Officials said significant progress has been achieved by state agencies over the past several years. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 13 Nov. 2026 Throughout the week, exhibitors from participating Chinese companies held productive meetings with global counterparts, achieving substantial business outcomes and paving new avenues for international cooperation. — Partner Content, Variety, 13 Nov. 2026 Yormark, armed with a multiyear deal and believed to have received equity in the business, is tasked with ensuring Milan Sports & Entertainment achieves that goal. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 13 Nov. 2026 Barrymore tapped hairstylist Daniel Howell and makeup artist Lauren Lazaro Gulino to help achieve her glam. — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for achieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for achieve
Verb
  • As my generation of veterans—millennials born between 1981 and 1996—attain positions of power, we are presented with the same responsibility to lead during tumultuous times that our forebears faced.
    — Brandon J Archuleta, Oc Register, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The next highest ranking of commendable, which is a typical or average performance, was attained by about 30% of state schools.
    — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • That said, Antonelli’s rise to fame was much, much quicker, reaching the milestone that all F1 drivers set out to accomplish, yet most of them never do.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Valkyries owner Joe Lacob guaranteed a championship within the first five years for this franchise three years ago when the Bay Area was granted an expansion team, and in improbable, joyful fashion, his team accomplished it in Year 2.
    — Janie McCauley, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • After more than a week of counting outstanding, absentee ballots and affidavit — or provisional — ballots, Colom won the closest Senate race in the country by just a few thousand votes.
    — Elena Moore, NPR, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The winning illustration in this reader poll will be available on a mug at The New York Times Store later this year.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • In a time when peers such as the New York Dolls and Velvet Underground were upending rock and roll with glamour and arty disaffection, Television fulfilled the genre’s promises of both swaggering virtuosity and restless reinvention.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Some see it as a promise kept, others as one not yet fulfilled, and others as the inverse—that Trump has since disassembled beyond repair the nation and its political institutions rather than rebuilding these as pledged.
    — Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • And, of course, thanks to social media, this content can gain an instant and wide audience.
    — Steve Mollman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2026
  • Without trying, her style and sound has only continued to garner mass appeal, gaining another life through our social algorithms and places like Pinterest.
    — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Refinancing a personal loan may cause a temporary drop in your credit score because the lender will likely perform a hard credit inquiry.
    — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Her set evoked a football halftime show and homecoming celebration at historically Black colleges and universities, with a marching band, drum line, steppers and majorette-style dancers performing in front of bleachers.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Sincerity, stability, domesticity—those are harder sells for fans expecting quotable and clippable baddie anthems, which might make SWALLOW!
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Braun made two 3-pointers and Minnesota held Southern to 18% shooting in taking a 16-6 lead after one quarter.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The emphasis was just coming out there and executing especially down the stretch with the last 10 minutes.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Nov. 2026
  • He is set to be executed on November 19, 2026, which would make the 20th execution in the state, the most in 50 years, the outlet highlights.
    — News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Achieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/achieve. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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