executive 1 of 2

adjective

ig-ˈze-k(y)ə-tiv How to pronounce executive (audio)
Definition of executivenext
as in administrative
suited for or relating to the directing of things the executive skills needed to manage a large business office

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

executive

2 of 2

noun

as in manager
a person who manages or directs something a program that teaches company executives how to better manage their staffs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 executive
Adjective
In peak years, as many as about 250 people attended the center’s technology classes, according to executive director Jean Souffrant. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026 Other departures from 60 Minutes include executive editor Draggan Mihailovich, correspondents Cecilia Vega and longtime producer Henry Schuster. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
The basketball world has lost one of its titans, as former Warriors coach and executive Don Nelson died Sunday at the age of 86. — Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026 Abarca suspended his campaign for county executive on July 20 after his removal as chair. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for executive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for executive
  1. administrative
  2. manager
  3. managerial
  4. director
  5. administrator
  6. superintendent
  7. supervisor
Adjective
  • Legal fees, delays, and administrative costs sometimes consume assets meant for heirs or charities.
    — Medora Lee, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Robinson has been placed on administrative leave, district officials said in a statement to WFAA.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of administrative
Noun
  • General manager Ross Atkins, hours after the deadline, apologized to fans for the disappointment on the heels of a World Series appearance.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • How Goldman benefits As a joint book-running manager, the bank captures fees across every step of these transactions.
    — Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of manager
Adjective
  • And Hutchinson is already convinced Forest’s latest managerial appointment Oliver Glasner can bring stability.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Too often, organizations promote high-performing individual contributors into managerial roles without equipping them with the emotional intelligence or structural tools needed to lead inclusively.
    — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of managerial
Noun
  • Argyro Chioti, the National Theater’s artistic director, said the production should become the norm rather than the exception.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Essential California sat down with Ben Orbison, FOLAR’s director of strategic communications, and spoke about festival highlights and motivations.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of director
Noun
  • Hilliard served as the administrator of Colorado’s Nike Elite program from 2021 to 2025, managing funds from the sportswear giant’s program to provide high school athletes with mentorship and equipment.
    — Matt Moret, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Apart from the Phantasm films, Bannister played a rest home administrator in Coscarelli’s 2002 horror comedy Bubba Ho-Tep, starring Evil Dead movie franchise icon Bruce Campbell.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of administrator
Noun
  • Jason Christopher Puopolo, the former West Sacramento parks operations superintendent, was released from custody after posting a $10,000 bail bond on April 20, Yolo Superior Court records show.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The transportation office referred inquiries to the superintendent's administrative assistant.
    — Amanda Pitts, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of superintendent
Noun
  • One supervisor described O'Neill's behavior as bullying and an attempt to intimidate.
    — Joe Holden, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Early voting in the primary election is well underway, and vote-by-mail ballots are arriving at supervisors of elections’ offices.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of supervisor

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Cite this Entry

“Executive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/executive. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on executive

Nglish: Translation of executive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about executive

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