achievement

Definition of achievementnext

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 Under mayoral control, new schools opened and thrived, graduation rates rose to historic levels, and racial and economic achievement gaps significantly narrowed. Dennis Walcott, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026 For a player who turned down the chance to be a top-five pick in last year’s WNBA draft, this career achievement meant the world. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2026 Lay out a map of anything of value in Chicago, such as health outcomes, mortality, crime, education achievement and housing access. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 Containing the nuclear program and limiting the range of ballistic missiles would be meaningful achievements. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for achievement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for achievement
Noun
  • The Lions added to that success stealing both of its attempts in the win over Allegiance.
    Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2026
  • But, if the goal was to draw attention, the Weather Underground’s bombing campaign was a huge success.
    Zayd Ayers Dohrn, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Borrowers, particularly private equity firms, increasingly turned to direct lenders offering faster execution and looser terms.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The skull had an apparent gunshot wound consistent with an execution-style killing, investigators said.
    Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • As at many workplaces, agency assessments can be hyperbolic, reflecting the effusiveness of a supportive boss trying to promote the accomplishments of his team and win his employee a raise.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • One of his proudest accomplishments was creating the FWISD Scholar Athlete Award program.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The respect of your peers and your feelings of fulfilment will fuel your drive to work as never before.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
  • If everything else goes to plan, Tentsile will begin early fulfillment deliveries in May and standard fulfillments in August.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The realization that many members did not have the same connection to Israel, and even sympathized with its critics, startled her.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • As the heist approaches, the line between hunter and hunted begins to blur, and all three are faced with life-defining choices – and the realization that there can be no turning back.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In the first year of implementation, 138 extreme risk protection order petitions were filed, according to state court data.
    Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The Biden-era rule never took effect, following decisions by two federal courts in Texas in 2024 to delay its implementation.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Pipkins is charged with kidnapping and first-degree murder in perpetration of a kidnapping.
    KC Baker, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • People around the world were decrying the perpetration of a genocide.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Big 12 Player of the Year is coming off of one of her best performances as a Horned Frog with 28 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in the win over Virginia in the Sweet 16.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Espionage is never a solo performance.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Achievement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/achievement. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on achievement

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster