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 Avalanche has already built its technology demonstrators but has not yet achieved a net-positive energy gain. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026 Now the cost to achieve the same result is 4%. The Week Us, TheWeek, 9 Apr. 2026 Proactive termite control can be achieved through thorough inspections of your home and the use of treatments. Ana Durrani, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026 For Brian Diva Cox in Portland, Oregon, that microclimate is easiest to achieve without pajamas. Lily Hautau, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for achieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for achieve
Verb
  • His higher calling hit while attaining his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering and computer science from the University of Illinois and University of Illinois Chicago, says the 61-year-old pastor.
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Of all sports halls of fame, College Football’s is statistically the most difficult to attain.
    Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Two of his 12 fastballs generated at least 26 inches of induced vertical break, something no pitcher had accomplished in a major-league game since the Baltimore Orioles’ Félix Bautista did it in 2023.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • PeilingLeeCopyright/twomeows/Getty Images Saving thousands of dollars while keeping your debt load minimal isn't always an easy goal to accomplish.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • However, Eovaldi found his groove, and the Rangers went on to win their second straight over the Mariners, 3-2, at Globe Life Field.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Given Southampton had only dropped points from a winning position twice in the previous 21 league games — Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic both rescuing a 1-1 draw apiece — a comeback seemed unlikely.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Local residents who spoke to commissioners said a promise from Black Mountain CEO Rhett Bennett to introduce the future data center’s operator to residents at a community meeting has not been fulfilled.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
  • What makes Becky Shaw so fulfilling is its cynicism about love and its ruthless method of hurling those frustrations at its audience.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Loopt struggled to gain users, and in 2012 it was acquired by a fintech company.
    Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Wennberg won a puck battle deep in the Predators’ zone before William Eklund gained possession.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • While many people have been introduced to English choral services through the angelic voices of the choristers in flowing robes and Elizabethan ruffs who sing at royal weddings and carol services, choirs perform every day in much more humble settings.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • This year, the ritual was performed by his successor, Leo XIV, the first American Pope.
    Paul Elie, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Dutch firm also makes a deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography machine.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Players can also make requests, but these are more like demands, to leave a team before their contracts are up, via trade.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • For something different, Cinkō Asian Latino Grill stands out as a kosher restaurant that brings together Asian and South American flavors in a way that feels both unexpected and well executed.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The Bruins went to the floor exercise to execute their most important rotation of the season.
    Daily News, Daily News, 6 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on achieve

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster