discharge 1 of 2

Definition of dischargenext
1
as in firing
a directed propelling of a missile by a firearm or artillery piece the thunderous discharge of the cannons

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in release
a freeing from an obligation or responsibility a full discharge from responsibility for the accident

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in dismissal
the termination of the employment of an employee or a work force often temporarily she was resentful over what she felt was a wrongful discharge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

discharge

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to fire
to cause (a projectile) to be driven forward with force Robert Goddard was the first to discharge a rocket containing an instrument package

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in to pay
to give what is owed for discharge a debt in full

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5
6
as in to shoot
to cause a weapon to release a missile with great force felt a strong recoil as the rifle discharged

Synonyms & Similar Words

7

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb discharge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discharge are accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

In what contexts can accomplish take the place of discharge?

The words accomplish and discharge can be used in similar contexts, but accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How do achieve and accomplish relate to one another, in the sense of discharge?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

How are the words effect and achieve related as synonyms of discharge?

Effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles.

effected sweeping reforms

When might execute be a better fit than discharge?

While in some cases nearly identical to discharge, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When would fulfill be a good substitute for discharge?

The words fulfill and discharge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When could perform be used to replace discharge?

While the synonyms perform and discharge are close in meaning, perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

How does the verb discharge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discharge are accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

In what contexts can accomplish take the place of discharge?

The words accomplish and discharge can be used in similar contexts, but accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How do achieve and accomplish relate to one another, in the sense of discharge?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

How are the words effect and achieve related as synonyms of discharge?

Effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles.

effected sweeping reforms

When might execute be a better fit than discharge?

While in some cases nearly identical to discharge, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When would fulfill be a good substitute for discharge?

The words fulfill and discharge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When could perform be used to replace discharge?

While the synonyms perform and discharge are close in meaning, 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 discharge
Noun
The internal medicine specialist said that, while health screenings have been the main services offered in the two mobile clinics to date, the plan is to use these resources to research how the ability to visit patients can help close the treatment loop after discharge. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026 He is also accused of felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child. Michael Ruiz , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
Stevens sustained a broken neck after falling on Sunday (March 29), prompting a brief hospitalization in the Nashville area before he was discharged to continue recovery at home, his rep confirmed to Rolling Stone. Preezy Brown, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026 Nearly all the outlets that had once discharged sewage into the harbor were capped. Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discharge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discharge
Noun
  • In a tense call after Altman’s firing, the board pressed him to acknowledge a pattern of deception.
    Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Not with a dramatic firing, not with a bitter exit, but with an acquisition that made my role redundant.
    Geoff Curtis, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • On Tuesday night, investigators located and arrested 43-year-old Fullerton man Jeffrey Lynn Clayton on suspicion of homicide, the release said.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Interestingly, Dzierzewski also noted that warming the hands and feet before bed can help the body release heat more efficiently and fall asleep faster.
    Lily Hautau, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The incident happened during dismissal in a Millard Lefler Middle School hallway on Tuesday, April 7, a spokesperson for the school confirmed to PEOPLE on Thursday, April 9.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The Justice Department has appealed the Oregon, California and Michigan dismissals.
    Rebecca Boone, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This means that if qubit A is in state 0 and qubit B is in state 1, after the execution of the swap gate, qubit A will be in state 1 and qubit B in state 0.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The Nuggets have won six games involving clutch time during the streak, correcting a trend of fourth-quarter execution issues.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Indianapolis police are investigating after multiple shots were fired into the home of Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ron Gibson on Monday.
    Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The Civilian Office of Police Accountability in 2022 recommended that Stillman be fired.
    CBS Chicago Team, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Someone invents the shipping container to make loading and unloading cargo at ports faster and easier.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Organizers said all weapons at the gun show were required to be checked, unloaded, and zip-tied to prevent loading.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Many players also opt for deferrals and large signing bonuses (as opposed to a higher salary) to avoid paying income tax in certain states.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The paying public went from raucous to delirious on the next possession, when Curry raced downcourt and splashed a triple off the dribble.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Mantello’s production actually frees the play from its own time, expanding its vista.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Jared Wright freed the puck with a check at neutral ice, allowing Scott Laughton to carry it into the Vancouver zone.
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discharge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discharge. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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