ACHIEVEMENT Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'achievement' differ from other similar words?

The words exploit and feat are common synonyms of achievement . While all three words mean "a remarkable deed," achievement implies hard-won success in the face of difficulty or opposition. // her achievements as a chemist

Q: When can 'exploit' be used instead of 'achievement'?

In some situations, the words exploit and achievement are roughly equivalent. However, exploit suggests an adventurous or heroic act. // his exploits as a spy

Q: When is it sensible to use 'feat' instead of 'achievement'?

The words feat and achievement can be used in similar contexts, but feat implies strength or dexterity or daring. // an acrobatic feat

achievement

noun

ə-ˈchēv-mənt

Definition of achievement

as in success

a successful result brought about by hard work this improvement in your time for a 10K road race is quite an achievement!

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as in execution

the doing of an action what you're asking is the achievement of a miracle

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in accomplishment

the state of being actual or complete you should be proud of the achievement of your goals

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun achievement differ from other similar words?

The words exploit and feat are common synonyms of achievement. While all three words mean "a remarkable deed," achievement implies hard-won success in the face of difficulty or opposition.

her achievements as a chemist

When can exploit be used instead of achievement?

In some situations, the words exploit and achievement are roughly equivalent. However, exploit suggests an adventurous or heroic act.

his exploits as a spy

When is it sensible to use feat instead of achievement?

The words feat and achievement can be used in similar contexts, but feat implies strength or dexterity or daring.

an acrobatic feat

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 achievement Some Chicagoans have been honored for their work with awards — including the Nobel Prize — or lifetime achievement honors. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026 For his achievements, he was knighted in New Zealand in 2022 and appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1991. — Brittany Levine Beckman, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 Such an achievement had looked implausible for Zverev’s entire career. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 12 July 2026 The milestone is the latest achievement in a lifelong passion that began more than 70 years ago. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for achievement

Recent Examples of Synonyms for achievement

Noun

The president of the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership (ANDP) said the law is an important step forward, but its long-term success will depend on cooperation between federal, state and local leaders.

— Nakell Williams, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Atlanta’s formula for success included 16 second-chance points, 21 points off turnovers and 35 rebounds.

— Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of success

Noun

Graham steered 'Big, Beautiful Bill' and ICE funding Before his July 11 death, Graham helped push two major GOP policy accomplishments across the finish line.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 12 July 2026
Still, Donovan said that the accomplishment of passing bipartisan housing affordability legislation with an overwhelming majority shouldn’t be downplayed.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of accomplishment

Noun

Equipped with conveyor and sortation technology, the operation will support high-volume fulfillment and delivery across the northeast region to ensure speed, reliability and scalability during periods of peak demand.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 16 July 2026
There’s also no substitute for the sense of control, purpose, and fulfillment that comes from creating and executing a vision.

— Naveen Jain, Fortune, 9 July 2026

Definition of fulfillment

Noun

But for many women, the most powerful realization is that their symptoms have a name, and the disease can be managed.

— Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 14 July 2026
That realization has become one of the few bright spots to emerge from an experience that turned his life upside down.

— Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

Definition of realization

Noun

The financial industry has debated tokenization for years without widespread implementation.

— Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Manufacturers in Tirupur told Sourcing Journal there had already been months of intensive engagement with British brands as both sides prepared for the agreement’s implementation, working to build capacity ahead of the tariff elimination.

— Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 15 July 2026

Definition of implementation

Noun

Nolan's non-linear storytelling and minimal exposition challenge some, yet the visual grandeur and powerful performances, including Anne Hathaway's Penelope and a diverse ensemble, are undeniable.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
His debut performance at Yankee Stadium will keep his name in the mix, whatever the role may be.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of performance

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“Achievement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/achievement. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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