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

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

Nigel Wilcock, executive director at the Institute of Economic Development, an independent body representing economic development professionals, said Burnham had spent years making the case for a different approach to economic growth. — Reuters, NBC news, 17 July 2026 Stacey Gillett is co-founder and executive director of Living Record, a Chicago nonprofit that helps people connect the past, present and future through art, storytelling and time capsule experiences. — Stacey Gillett, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Noun

Some team executives and agents have considered the second apron, set at just under $222 million this coming season, as a de facto hard cap since its inception. — Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Most of us, for instance, are not the oil company executives who were told about the effects of CO2 emissions back in the 1970s and decided that the threat to their business outweighed the threat to the planet. — Gabriel Winslow-Yost, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for executive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for executive

Adjective

The measure says revenues cannot be spent on state bureaucracy or administrative costs.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Recently, the Illinois Register proposed amending the administrative code to update the definitions of the various alcohol categories solely by their production process — not their alcohol content.

— Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of administrative

Noun

Clement, whose own All-Star rise was influenced by Mattingly, praised his former coach's success, noting his reunion with his son, the Phillies' general manager.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Cole had dominated the Dodgers over six innings when New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone came out for a visit.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of manager

Noun

The Po Delta is a haven for marine life, said Massimiliano Costa, director of the Po Delta Park that helps conserve and manage the local environment.

— Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Backed by a six-piece band, that included four women and her longtime music director Brent Barcus, Twain strummed guitar for nearly all the songs.

— Karen Bliss, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2026

Definition of director

Noun

At the local level, administrators often complain there is little clarity on what is expected of them and, too often, outright conflict.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
Academic administrator Joe O’Shea studied gap years and found that gap year alumni return with greater confidence, self-awareness and readiness for their next steps.

— DJ Didonna, Time, 13 July 2026

Definition of administrator

Noun

Jackson, the superintendent of enterprise services, said Park and Recreation is encouraged by the high retention rate.

— Diamy Wang July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
While the correct procurement procedures were not followed, the team in District 3 on the Upper West Side, where Samuels was then superintendent, found creative solutions to swiftly get more Spanish-speaking teachers in their classrooms.

— Lincoln Restler, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026

Definition of superintendent

Noun

According to Embry, the Centre Station Post Office is remotely managed, with supervisors typically stationed at the larger Arden Branch a mile and a half away.

— Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Designed by Teiyu Goto, a product design supervisor at the Sony Creative Center at the time, the VAIO logo continued to represent the brand even after Sony sold the business to Japan Industrial Partners in 2014.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026

Definition of supervisor

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“Executive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/executive. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of executive

adjective

noun

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