Synonyms of execute

execute

verb

ˈek-si-ˌkyüt 

1

as in to enforce

to carry out effectively

the agency charged with executing the nation's drug laws

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enforce
• implement
• administer
• apply
• fulfill
• invoke
• enact
• render
• effectuate
• effect
• bring about
• prosecute
• cite
• honor
• observe
• legislate
• uphold
• promulgate
• discharge

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• disregard
• neglect

2

as in to perform

to carry through (as a process) to completion

when you execute this dance step, try to keep your arms a little higher

Synonyms & Similar Words

• perform
• accomplish
• fulfill
• achieve
• do
• implement
• make
• commit
• prosecute
• negotiate
• carry out
• pull off
• complete
• carry off
• put through
• perpetrate
• finish
• realize
• effectuate
• go through
• follow through (with)
• compass
• bring off
• attain
• effect
• practice
• bring about
• engage (in)
• repeat
• ace
• reenact
• work (at)
• nail
• actualize
• end
• wind up
• reduplicate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fail
• slight
• skimp
• slur

3

as in to assassinate

to put to death deliberately

during the war those convicted of desertion were summarily executed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• assassinate
• murder
• slay
• kill
• neutralize
• terminate
• dispatch
• get
• liquidate
• destroy
• take out
• off
• shoot
• put away
• whack
• snuff
• slaughter
• croak
• rub out
• ice
• do in
• bump off
• do away with
• knock off
• eliminate
• blow away
• cut down
• eradicate
• carry off
• shoot down
• claim
• blot out
• fell
• smite
• exterminate
• annihilate
• massacre
• wipe out
• mow (down)
• butcher
• zap

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• restore
• raise
• revive
• resurrect
• animate
• resuscitate

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb execute contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of execute are accomplish, achieve, discharge, effect, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When is it sensible to use accomplish instead of execute?

While in some cases nearly identical to execute, 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 execute?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

When is discharge a more appropriate choice than execute?

The words discharge and execute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

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

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

effected sweeping reforms

In what contexts can fulfill take the place of execute?

The synonyms fulfill and execute are sometimes interchangeable, but fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When might perform be a better fit than execute?

While the synonyms perform and execute 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

Recent Examples of execute

For the first time, work is no longer executed by humans alone. —CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026

The 2-0 victory was a lesson in executing an overall game plan and delivering in each facet. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026

That way, teams stay focused and can execute well, instead of being pulled in too many directions. —Christopher Dilella, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026

Ian Tuason’s directorial debut is an example of the creativity that helps the indie horror space maintain its reputation as the ultimate incubator for exciting new voices — and proof that a clever concept executed well can often beat out movies with much bigger budgets. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2026