EXECUTIVE Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

executive 1 of 2

adjective

ig-ˈze-k(y)ə-tiv

Definition of executive

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

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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

While executive boards debate high-level strategy and conference panels discuss theoretical disruptions, the daily tools sit largely underutilized on the ground. — Stacy L. Hambleton, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 Garza began his career as a writer in animation, followed by creating a comedy sitcom, and then becoming an executive producer on the CW’s The Flash. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026

Noun

Nancy Grace Roman was the first-ever chief astronomer at NASA and the agency's first female executive. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Newsom said in his statement Saturday that the bill would strengthen accountability for utilities that spark fires by stopping executives from receiving bonuses after a fire. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for executive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for executive

Adjective

For all the headlines of the past month, not having general manager Mike Lombardi (who’s on administrative leave) around on a game day is probably a net positive for UNC football.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
The Oslo Accords, signed over thirty years ago, gave Palestinians at least administrative control of limited areas as a first step toward eventual control of the West Bank and Gaza—almost all of that twenty-two per cent of the land.

— David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of administrative

Noun

During a news conference Wednesday, general manager Brian Gutekunst was asked if the Packers would need to add another running back in the event Jacobs faced charges and got suspended.

— Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Brewers manager Pat Murphy had a discussion with third base umpire and crew chief Vic Carapazza in the third, when Misiorowski fell behind 2-0 on Francisco Alvarez following a walk to Morel.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of manager

Adjective

Weissbart and Fox both recommended placing the family business in a trust and naming only one child as trustee with the ability to make managerial decisions.

— Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
City badly struggled in his absence, with Guardiola experiencing the worst run of form in his managerial career.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of managerial

Noun

Frank Lenk, director of economic research at the Mid-America Regional Council, said automotive goods are one of Kansas City’s largest exports, and many of those products go back and forth across the border with Canada.

— Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
Tonette Mendoza, a former college player who is now the executive director of the Philippine Tennis Association, first saw a six-or-seven-year-old Eala play at a local tournament.

— Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of director

Noun

The state superintendent would need approval from the president of the State Board of Education, or the president's designee, before taking that step.

— Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
For 10 years prior to that, Villont’s jobs included director of educational technology, assistant principal, principal and regional superintendent for the Diocese of Rockford.

— Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of superintendent

Noun

Hoffenberg has insinuated that fellow Democrat Chris Getty, the Lyons Township supervisor, improperly accessed the video and had a hand in leaking information about the footage to Gorman.

— Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
The supervisors voted unanimously to advance the moratorium, and the crowd erupted.

— Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of supervisor

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Style

“Executive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/executive. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of executive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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Cite this Entry

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