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 Listen, no one is better than good in Valentine’s Day, and only a few people achieve that low bar — Hathaway, Queen Latifah (duh), and honestly, Taylor Swift. Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026 This, advocates for collaboration argue, is the path toward achieving exponential impact within a contemporary business environment. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 1 May 2026 It was structured so that the CEO will only cash in if Tesla’s stock soars and the company achieves various operational milestones. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 1 May 2026 Sonja Shaw, 43, the school board president of Chino Valley Unified, has achieved a public profile as a MAGA culture warrior. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for achieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for achieve
Verb
  • Each rising superstar was able to attain WWE Evolve Women’s Championships during their time at the developmental promotion and have made a major impact since being called up to the NXT brand.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Jordan Chandler went on to attain legal emancipation from both of his parents.
    Amelia McDonell-Parry, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Aspen Wooten, a talented tennis prodigy who moved from Memphis to Lake Nona with her family as a ninth grader, had accomplished just about everything available in her four-year high school career — including winning more than 100 matches.
    Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Mantle and Berra accomplished the feat in 1956.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The big man, who won the 2016 NBA Championship as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, previously had his younger sibling under a guardianship, according to TMZ.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Schindler also put down the winning kill in both games for the Knights (16-5, 1-1).
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In Sirak’s view, the role is not simply to fulfill requests, but to understand the business logic behind them.
    Ethan Stone, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Ehrenreich has since pursued a lower-profile career, though a fulfilling one, with memorable supporting performances in films like Oppenheimer, as a skeptical aide, and Weapons, as a mustachioed cop.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Moon strengthens Jupiter’s influence, helping your ideas gain traction with the right people.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Both firms are keen to acquire the assets given the rarity of gaining exposure to more than 40 ports in a single deal, the people said.
    Shirley Zhao, Bloomberg, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents' Association, said in a statement that the renowned performing artist will offer a thrilling glimpse into the minds of newsmakers.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
  • If something feels like a power struggle, don’t perform your way through it.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Where things have felt vague, clarity makes a noticeable difference.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • States can also make an independent decision not to allow the sale of a product in their state.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Arsenal’s short-corner routine against Newcastle was well planned and executed in creating the winner, but the other parts of it were important too.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Another federal law enforcement official briefed on the probe told USA TODAY that the FBI executed a search warrant at a home linked to Allen in Torrance, a Los Angeles suburb.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Achieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/achieve. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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