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
During the rainy season, the Orinoco is the world’s third-largest river by discharge. Antonio MacHado Allison, The Conversation, 6 Mar. 2026 Signs of disease include warts on legs, crusty or swollen eyes, feebleness, a ruffled appearance, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, and diarrhea. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
The robot will vacuum oil from the water’s surface, return to its base station to discharge the collected oil, and then redeploy to the spill site. Ben Coxworth march 10, New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2026 Witnesses observed two people emerging from a white Honda CR-V and discharge a handgun at the consulate before driving away, according to Barredo. Aleem Agha, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discharge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discharge
Noun
  • But amid mass firings and shifting priorities, that role has waned.
    Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • There just really simply has to be firings.
    Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Traipsing down the Hollywood Farmers Market with giant heads of lettuce and overgrown bouquets feels not only like release, but also resistance and resilience.
    Elisa Wouk Almino Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The release of the subpoena comes as speculation about a federal investigation has ratcheted up within City Hall over the last year.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Eighteen California youths appealed a court’s dismissal of their climate discrimination lawsuit against the EPA.
    Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Still, John is now facing a dismissal hearing.
    Judy Berman, Time, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • End-of-game execution is the other thing that has to take a leap forward.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Fully integrated into day-to-day workflows, the tool was built with domain experts for operational precision, helping teams move from opportunity to execution faster and with greater confidence.
    Travis Edmonds, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Hezbollah fired missiles deep into Israel, setting off air raid sirens in central Israel and its commercial hub Tel Aviv, as interception blasts sounded as far as Jerusalem.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Through geolocating and verifying seven images, Human Rights Watch said Israel fired white phosphorus using artillery at residential areas in the southern Lebanese village of Yohmor.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That’s language more commonly used to unload credenzas on Facebook Marketplace than to solicit Broadway backers.
    Andrew Zucker, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
  • And frankly, where was this courage in 2023 when Payton unloaded on Wilson at Detroit?
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Tech giants are buying up memory chips like never before, and paying a premium for multiyear contracts.
    Nasteho Said, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
  • This should be exciting news for the 1 in 6 Americans who deal with infertility, especially those without health insurance or paying out-of-pocket because of inadequate coverage.
    Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But after restructuring the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and offensive lineman Tyler Smith, the team was able to free up $67 million toward the cap in 2026 to get back under the salary cap.
    Nick Harris March 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Doing so would free up $254 million — in a tight budget year — for a $2,500 teacher pay raise, extra school funding, expanded private school tax credits and more, Senate leaders said.
    Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 6 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discharge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discharge. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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