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

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 execute The launch was a disaster — users hated the new bot, which generated inaccurate results and appeared unable to replicate some of the tasks that earlier versions could execute. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025 Gateley will execute produce the special under Damsel Media. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 It is also carefully modulated, meticulously executed. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 Sep. 2025 Benjamin Ritchie, who killed a Beech Grove police officer, was executed on May 20, 2025. Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for execute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for execute
Verb
  • In 2023, Florida became the first state to pass a law restricting the use of phones during class in public schools, but allowed districts to enforce their own policies.
    Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Trump declined to enforce it and has now granted four extensions to try to put a deal together.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • One of its investigators had spent weeks undercover working and traveling with ShowMe Tigers, watching the animals being forced to perform tricks, said Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, in a statement Sunday.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Tigers, which toured the country performing with the animals.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Erika Kirk took the helm of her husband’s conservative political organization in the days after he was assassinated.
    Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • In the days since founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated on a college campus, Turning Point Action has channeled grief into purpose by doubling down on its voter registration mission.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In December Democratic senators critical of Medicaid work requirements, including Georgia’s Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, had asked the GAO to report on the administrative costs of implementing Pathways and verifying that recipients are working, studying or volunteering.
    Margaret Coker, ProPublica, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The Phoenix Suns this summer implemented — and asked employees to sign — a dispute resolution policy that could limit employees’ intentions to sue over workplace matters.
    Doug Haller, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • First, there is the abstract layer that defines the outcome developers wish to accomplish.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
  • In reaction to the report, The Kansas Department for Children and Families, however, touted what has been accomplished.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Season 2 will pick up following the Season 1 finale in which Gibbs (Austin Stowell) manages to escape arrest for killing the man who murdered his wife and children.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Carr argued Kimmel misled viewers about the political affiliation of Tyler Robinson, the suspect charged with murdering Kirk.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The local station owner had previously demanded that Kimmel apologize to Kirk’s family and make a donation to the slain activist's organization, Turning Point USA.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Plus, here’s how your federal lawmakers voted on a resolution honoring the slain activist.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Among them is harnessing what is sometimes referred to as clean heat, which means fulfilling the supply chain’s thermal energy needs with renewable sources such as wind and solar.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 25 Sep. 2025
  • In January, the TPSF fulfilled a $25 million funding commitment to Velocity Elevate LP.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Execute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/execute. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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