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 During her confirmation hearing earlier this month, Noem stated her commitment to executing immigration and border security initiatives. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025 Their season came to a stunning halt up the road in Spokane in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, where the Gaels executed the unfortunate role of a No. 5 seed upset by a No. 12, that being Grand Canyon. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025 Has better ideas, has more efficient ways to execute them. Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 24 Jan. 2025 Beginning in utero, development is a complex series of events that leads to the ability to execute increasingly complex tasks and to control actions and behaviors. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for execute 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for execute
Verb
  • Sacramento is not yet enforcing a new state law that disallows a lot of parking within 20 feet of intersections, known as daylighting, to help protect pedestrians from death and serious injury.
    Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2025
  • It’s rarely been enforced, and its definitional boundaries have long been debated among legal experts.
    Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Academy may well have made significant progress in reforming itself to be more inclusive; several presenters took care to note the 13,000 voting members who chose the winners (and The Weeknd broke his years-long boycott of the Grammys to perform this time).
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Salas-Lozano was indicted in April 2023 in connection with the July 2, 2021 encounter at the hospital, where he and the victim, a woman, were contracted to perform janitorial services.
    Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Garfield was assassinated by a disgruntled and delusional office-seeker named Charles Guiteau.
    Mo Rocca, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The mountain’s name will revert to Mount McKinley, named for William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, who was assassinated on September 14, 1901.
    Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Accelerate the shift to circular fashion by implementing take-back schemes, garment recycling programs, and partnerships that reduce waste.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, his administration could implement additional measures to dismantle the financial networks of these organizations.
    Anna Lagos, WIRED, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In Los Angeles, Miami and New York, killers have targeted and murdered groups of homeless people in a matter of days.
    Leah Goodridge, TIME, 27 Jan. 2025
  • King Charles Makes History with Emotional Visit to Auschwitz for Holocaust Memorial Day: 'A Sacred Moment' Holocaust Memorial Day honors the lives of the six million Jewish people who were murdered during the Holocaust, the millions killed under Nazi persecution and during subsequent genocides.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Putin cannot slay inflation because Russian interest rates are already at a whopping 21%, and the Russian ruble is collapsing.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
  • With Mikko camped out to his right midway through the second stanza, Makar beat DeSmith glove-side with a wrister from the blue line for his 100th career goal, slaying the Avs’ power-play dragon and becoming the fastest active defenseman in the NHL to hit the century mark as a pro.
    Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The bookstore’s popularity has allowed Lewis, who is a longtime practitioner in the field of Afrocentric mental health, to fulfill a dream.
    Tony Perrottet, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Parents and school boards have broad discretion to fulfill that important responsibility.
    Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Tens of thousands succumbed to disease, starvation and mining-related accidents, while others were killed as part of a larger genocide.
    Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Jan. 2025
  • But some believe the same elements behind the older Kennedy’s assassination also killed the former senator.
    Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near execute

Cite this Entry

“Execute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/execute. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on execute

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