DISCHARGE Synonyms: 250 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

discharge 1 of 2

noun

ˈdis-ˌchärj

Definition of discharge next

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

as in release

a freeing from an obligation or responsibility a full discharge from responsibility for the accident

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

as in execution

the doing of an action aided in the discharge of his duties by a capable assistant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

discharge

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈchärj

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

as in to unload

to empty or rid of cargo docks for discharging containerships

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to pay

to give what is owed for discharge a debt in full

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

repudiate

as in to release

to set free (as from slavery or confinement) discharged the prisoners upon the signing of the peace treaty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to cast

to throw or give off the mighty river discharges its waters into the ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in to sack

to let go from office, service, or employment 15 people were discharged when the embezzling ring was discovered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

No surface water intake for domestic drinking water supplies is located within five miles downstream of the wastewater discharge point so there would be no impact on water wells or drinking water, Keel said at the time. —

Arcelia Martin, San Antonio Express-News, 27 Apr. 2026 His conditional discharge is scheduled to end April 20, 2027. —

Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

Verb

Both the driver and a Warrenville police officer reportedly discharged their firearms during the incident, the state police said, and the driver sustained a gunshot wound. —

Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026 The 31-year-old was also charged with illegally transporting a firearm across state lines and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. —

Rebecca Schneid, Time, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discharge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discharge

Noun

Weltman’s first coaching change with Orlando was his firing of Frank Vogel in 2018 and hiring of Clifford, which took 48 days.

— Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 May 2026
Pressure from the administration In recent weeks, high-profile decisions in closely-watched, controversial immigration court cases appear to have led to the firing of immigration court judges, for instance, who seemingly ruled against the wishes of the current administration.

— Sean Emery, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

Definition of firing

Browse Nearby Words

discerns

discharge

discharged

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Discharge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discharge. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of discharge

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on discharge

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dudgeon

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Regarding the Incorrect Use of 'Decimate'

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Where does 'curiosity killed the cat' come from?

9 Other Words for Beautiful

Was 'nervous Nellie' a real person?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

The Longest Long Words List

Where does 'curiosity killed the cat' come from?

Games & Quizzes