discharge 1 of 2

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

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
Hair was, instead, discharge: like semen, breastmilk, vomit, and urine, hair was a form of waste matter excreted by the humoral body. Literary Hub, 9 June 2025 Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 9 June 2025
Verb
Patterson’s explanation On August 1, three days after the lunch, Patterson was in hospital, having been convinced by doctors to stay after earlier discharging herself against their advice. Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 21 June 2025 After 45 days in the hospital, Weatherspoon was discharged. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for discharge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discharge
Noun
  • In a new interview with i Paper, the legendary guitarist and songwriter opened up about the chaotic sequence of events earlier this year involving Starkey’s firing, rehiring and eventual departure.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 22 June 2025
  • The effort to give the president more direct control over the hiring and firing of civil servants is broadly opposed.
    Steven Kull, Twin Cities, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Students also followed a strict daily schedule and resided in the very same barracks as the USMA cadets, according to a news release.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2025
  • One person is dead following a fatal crash involving three vehicles in Independence on Friday, according to a news release from Independence Police Department Sgt.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Both the Associated Press and NBC News reported the dismissals on June 27, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter and a letter signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi to one of the attorneys.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 29 June 2025
  • The recent dismissal of Carla Hayden, the first woman and first African American to serve as Librarian of Congress, signals a troubling disregard for the importance and neutrality of libraries.
    Linda Johnson, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • This execution and much of the rest of Materialists is disappointing, with the memory of the very high highs of Song's previous feature, Past Lives, doing it no favors.
    Aisha Harris, NPR, 21 June 2025
  • The logic was sound: own the infrastructure, capture margin, and secure Western chip sovereignty, but execution has been, at best, uneven.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Lucas Ribeiro put the Sundowns into the lead in the 11th minute courtesy of a mazy run before firing the ball past Gregor Kobel.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • The Iron Dome intercepts missiles and rockets fired from a short range of up to around 45 miles, and David's Sling intercepts cruise missiles and rockets at a range of up to about 125 miles.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • As commuters unload from carpools passing through the parking lot of a Tri-Rail station on a recent weekday morning, they’re greeted by a symphony of construction while waiting for their trains.
    CD Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025
  • Even after sending Pro Bowl receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders earlier in the offseason, the 49ers were also reportedly still trying to unload Aiyuk's contract as well.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Letarte expects teams to pay more attention to their In-Season Challenge competitors as the five-race tournament plays out, and the potential $1 million draws closer.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 26 June 2025
  • Hochul disagrees with Mamdani’s plan to raise taxes on the rich to pay for his plans as mayor, such as free child care and buses.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • But oddly enough, writing something so generic was the freeing element to all of our problems.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2025
  • Short of the savings being placed in a much bigger coffee can, government spending cuts born of efficiency, headcount reduction, mandate reduction, or all three would have just freed up money for Congress to spend in new ways.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discharge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discharge. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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