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 achieving fame as a pilot, Baracca was an accomplished cavalry commander and horseman. Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026 Hathaway and stylist Erin Walsh achieved this feat by favoring this season’s least restrictive trends, starting with La Ligne’s ivory satin Colby Pants, with an elastic waistband. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 17 July 2026 By adopting a plan and following it—including making adjustments as needed—new leaders will be able to diagnose the situation, achieve some quick wins that build momentum and avoid risky slip-ups. Liz Guthridge, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 To achieve that feat, the defending champions will have to beat Spain, a team that has only allowed one goal this entire tournament. Patricio Chile, ABC News, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for achieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for achieve
Verb
  • But the capture of both these towns is likely to involve a similarly gruesome and lengthy fight, putting an even optimistic assessment of attaining this key Moscow war goal at least a year away.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Military experts have previously told the Miami Herald that the Pentagon routinely drafts plans to give the president a range of options to attain foreign policy goals.
    Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • My mother was very hard working and accomplished a lot on her own.
    New York Times, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Israeli officials said that their military used the two-thousand-pound bombs to destroy fortified tunnels, and although there are less indiscriminate ways to accomplish that objective, Republicans pounced.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Boise State won the 1980 NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) national championship in Setencich’s first season, defeating Eastern Kentucky, 31-29, in the title game.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026
  • The former three-time major winner has been all but forgotten by his former peers in the PGA, in part because his son is now a rising star who’s won a couple of tournaments.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • Clubs are allowed to name a maximum of 25 senior players for UEFA tournaments, though eight of those must be homegrown, with four having been ‘club trained’ (the latter requirement that Newcastle failed to fulfil in either 2023-24 or 2025-26).
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • Let the city fund the two-year programs to help transition these workers into new and fulfilling careers.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • So far, judges have blocked the Justice Department’s efforts to gain unsupervised access to Natanson’s devices.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 July 2026
  • The Bok scrum, with new cap Carlu Sadie at tighthead, monstered Wales' eight back over their own tryline to gain the put-in.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • But for many Georgians who volunteered, worked, performed or attended the Games, the memories that have endured are far more personal.
    Andrea Clement, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
  • One of Ramboll’s innovations is to address reactive power, a component of electricity that does not perform useful work but is essential in maintaining electrical and magnetic fields and controlling voltage levels.
    Drew Robb, IEEE Spectrum, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • Purchases allegedly made by Burke under aliases also included cadaver bags, heavy-duty laundry bags, chain saws, a shovel and a fireproof mat, Byers testified.
    Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 22 July 2026
  • At least eight more games will be added to Sunderland’s calendar when UEFA’s draw is made in Nyon on August 28.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • Abarca called the hearing after Homeland Security Investigations executed a criminal search warrant at the food manufacturer, an operation that resulted in multiple people being taken into custody.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026
  • Don’t expect your kid to get the hang of it on day one, and don’t force them to execute their routine perfectly every morning, without any fuss or pushback.
    Parents, Parents, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Achieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/achieve. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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