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 The winner in this category, The Oberoi Cruises, with five-star sailings on the Nile, achieved one of the top scores in the entire World’s Best Awards survey for 2025. Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025 Another, Davis, achieved eligibility last fall by crossing the 25% threshold of Latino enrollment. Michael Burke, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025 By Monday evening, the fire crew has achieved full containment of the blaze. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2025 The non-stick surface is also achieved naturally, without the use of any chemicals to coat the pan. Izzy Baskette, People.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for achieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for achieve
Verb
  • This practical wisdom links knowing what is right and acting on that knowledge to attain human happiness or flourishing.
    Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • What sets Prepared Food Photos apart is its effort to attain perfection in every photograph.
    Molly Peck, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Two, the Padres can win a wild-card playoff berth without adding a catcher.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • However, in the USA version, winning couples have always shared the prize, the outlet reported.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Since then he’s noticed the tool gain popularity among his residents and surgeon colleagues.
    Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Thon Hotel nearby gains high praise for its waterside restaurant and floating sauna.
    Phil Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Trump was elected to fulfill certain promises on immigration.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025
  • The subpoenas are part of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department and the White House to fulfill President Donald Trump’s promises to curtail pediatric gender care.
    Azeen Ghorayshi, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Square Peg co-founders Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen want to help make aspiring filmmakers’ dreams come true.
    Rance Collins, IndieWire, 8 July 2025
  • That makes these perfect for travelers, seniors, and basically anyone else.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The military branch is slated to perform its first-ever refueling of a U.S. military asset in orbit as early as next summer.
    Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
  • The show features five drag queens, each performing two of Swift's eras.
    Bryan West, The Tennessean, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The procedural process on the Senate floor is also complicated with limited time to execute.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 14 July 2025
  • Now, Trump and his education secretary, Linda McMahon, are free to execute the layoffs and break up the department’s work among other federal agencies.
    Collin Binkley, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The agency was in great peril, as there was no one in headquarters who could push back on harmful things being done to NASA or get things done.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as much of your exploring will probably be done on foot.
    New York Times, New York Times, 10 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Achieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/achieve. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on achieve

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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