achieve

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 Should his initiatives—such as efforts to end the war in Gaza—achieve lasting success, the situation could look quite different this time next year. Nina Græger, Time, 9 Oct. 2025 The clubs also foster social skills and teamwork through group activities, and boost self-esteem and confidence as children achieve running goals. Cyril A. Reinicke, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025 The study is a key component of Meharry's Together for CHANGE, known as T4C, a 10-year initiative to achieve better health for underrepresented Black populations. Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025 Many brands take this path, but few manage to overcome the challenges and achieve results. Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for achieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for achieve
Verb
  • Never booked or sent off, physically imposing yet beautifully balanced, Charles attained legend status in Turin — Il Gigante Buono.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Switzerland was the only country where attaining a better quality of life was a bigger draw (57%) than accessing investment opportunities (49%) or expanding a business (48%).
    Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Only three rookies have accomplished that feat since the introduction of the 3-point line during the 1979-80 season.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • What the subsidies accomplished The enhanced subsidies drove ACA marketplace participation to historic highs – more than 24 million people selected plans for 2025, up from about 11 million in 2020.
    Christopher Robertson, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Missouri could have won its 16th straight at home Saturday but lost to the Crimson Tide.
    Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Pittsburg State has won five straight and stands 5-1, 4-1 in the MIAA.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This was the round when Liverpool lost yet again, Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca lost his cool but gained a few friends and Manchester United won a fairly straightforward, drama-free match.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Honer, a former college diver, moved to Nashville in 2024 after gaining viral success.
    Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For the previous two games in this National League Division Series, the Dodgers had fulfilled the task that kept their coaches and staff up late at night.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Yeah, but again, so fulfilling creatively.
    Vogue, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Our senior commerce writer, Emily Farris, regularly reaches for her Made-In nonstick ceramic pan when making eggs or pancakes for her kids.
    Melissa Knific, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Danish pharma firm Novo Nordisk, which also makes the top 100, is similarly known for a culture where employees call the CEO by their first name, and don’t feel pressure to stay at work late.
    Adam Gale, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Brewers ranked a more respectable 12th in slugging percentage, and some of their most dynamic hitters were either not performing or not yet on the team early in the season.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Swift performed an acoustic version of her song, invoking tears.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Startups are advertising ‘AI employees’ and the likes of venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz are talking of AI ‘productizing and unbundling’ the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector that executes the core functions of corporations around the globe.
    Adam Gale, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commercial appeal were executed to perfection in what promises to be a must-have collection for our clients.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Achieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/achieve. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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