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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

However, organizations and school districts typically aren’t required to follow them, said Jeremy Holaday, Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) assistant executive director. — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2026 Qualified candidates who check the boxes are easily landing pay packages exceeding seven figures, but recruiters have to move fast, said Michael Piacente, managing partner and cofounder of executive cybersecurity search firm Hitch Partners. — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026

Noun

The team is fined $30 million, a drop in the bucket to the owner who, with other executives, got suspended for up to a year. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026 Does the transfer market become more about the relationships between the owners than sporting executives and agents? — James Horncastle, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for executive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for executive

Adjective

Teachers will be able to use AI tools for creating lesson plans and completing administrative tasks, but not for grading assignments.

— Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
The office and administrative support sector will see a 4% drop, or 752,100 jobs, the most of any major occupational group.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of administrative

Noun

If a manager requests an update while someone at home needs help, don’t try to satisfy both through vague reassurance.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026
That page also outlines how the agency helped emergency managers assess the damage in New York City just after the attacks and discusses some of the ways NASA has honored 9/11 victims and their families over the years.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of manager

Adjective

There are very few tools that can accurately assess skills, but relying on managerial judgment alone is fraught with biases like the halo, horn and recency effects.

— Tonushree Mondal, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
To cap the most chaotic week of his managerial career, Joe Espada celebrated his 51st birthday on Sunday.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of managerial

Noun

This is an exciting step forward for Eisenberg the director, who had a breakthrough a couple of years ago with the lovely A Real Pain, which earned co-star Kieran Culkin an Academy Award.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
The school’s athletic director told Front Office Sports last month Tarleton has had conversations with multiple FBS leagues and wants to move up within the next five years.

— Manny Navarro, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of director

Noun

Buoyed by her leadership of the multi-billion-dollar expansion project last decade, Espino moves up from deputy administrator to take full command of the canal.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
But at this point, many SEC administrators would rather find out by getting a win or by losing and then moving forward with that knowledge.

— Seth Emerson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of administrator

Noun

Roy Ring, production superintendent for the 583rd Missile Maintenance Squadron, said crews have maintained these systems for decades.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of the Lee’s Summit school district’s assistant superintendent of business services.

— Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of superintendent

Noun

Meanwhile, the show’s music supervisor, Nancy Severinsen, is working to clear the rights for the songs, which, as Chew explains, doesn’t always work.

— Kristin Robinson, Billboard, 11 Sep. 2026
Cheng said at the time that she was told by her supervisor that employees of the Journal should not be seen as advocating for press freedom in a place like Hong Kong given a potential conflict of interest.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of supervisor

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Style

“Executive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/executive. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of executive

adjective

noun

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