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 substances can enter marine environments through wastewater discharge, runoff, and other forms of pollution. Jessica Botelho, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026 But their discharge petition, introduced last week, is short of the 218 signatures needed to move forward. CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
The King of Norway was also recently hospitalized for infection and dehydration while vacationing in Tenerife in late February, but he was discharged after a few days and resumed royal duties in March. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026 The rare procedural maneuver, led by Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts needed 218 signatures — a simple majority of the 435-members of the House — to discharge HR 1689 from committee and bring it to the floor. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discharge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discharge
Noun
  • That tag is estimated at around $28 million against the cap, a significant one‑year cost but a price Dallas is apparently willing to pay to keep the offensive engine firing.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The six-minute five-second engine firing will boost the ship's velocity by about 900 mph, just enough to push it out of Earth's orbit to begin the four-day coast to the moon.
    William Harwood, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform subpoenaed Bondi to answer questions on April 14 about the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein investigation and file release.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The Cuban government said the mass pardons are this year's second prisoner release.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The dismissal of several key claims from the suit comes one month ahead the scheduled start of their trial.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • What did the judge say in his dismissal?
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Effective training requires understanding how their joints move and how their vision systems interpret surroundings, allowing trainers to refine control methods and improve task execution efficiency, reports PDO.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
  • An execution warrant has been signed for James Ernest Hitchcock, the man convicted of the 1976 rape and murder of Cindy Driggers.
    WPEC Staff, Baltimore Sun, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Once North Carolina fired Hubert Davis after five seasons, Billy Donovan immediately rose to the top of the list of favorites to become the next head coach of the storied program.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • One of the reasons American troops would be vulnerable on Kharg Island is its close proximity to the Iranian mainland, from which missiles, drones and artillery could be fired.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • His dread turned to panic when Hochheiser, 79, was unloaded at Villa Rosa III, a 48-bed assisted living home with peeling paint, burglar bars, barren planters and a history of poor care.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Satellite imagery showed cargo ships unloading vehicles directly onto a beach via ramps, with at least 330 vehicles visible on and near the shore.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And the Panthers feel safe with the rest of their inside linebacker depth to not have to pay a lot of money to retain a backup, particularly with the way Cherelus played in 2025.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The parents had each paid nine hundred dollars; most had found Squire online.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • He has been freed from jail after posting $50,000 bail and is next due in court at the end of the month.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • At a crowded news conference, boisterous supporters chanted to free Sarsour, recounting his advocacy for those in need.
    Sophia Tareen, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discharge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discharge. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on discharge

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