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

Kurkdjian conceived it as a counterweight to the very sweet and spicy Elixir, and as another option for the wearer who wants Sauvage’s full rousing potential, but with executive muscle. — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026 Dunmoyer’s is the first petition to delist an animal since the peregrine falcon, which was removed in 2009, said Melissa Miller-Henson, executive director of the Fish and Game Commission. — Bay City News, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026

Noun

But the anxiety endures as station executives ask whether public media can stay aloft without far greater innovation. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 26 July 2026 The Wall Street Journal published a story alleging that you were involved in spying on a fellow banking executive. — Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for executive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for executive

Adjective

The Miramar office is an administrative one, and it’s not designed to hold individuals for more than 12 hours, yet people are being kept in custody for 72 hours.

— Thomas Kennedy, Sun Sentinel, 26 July 2026
Faster quoting, lower administrative costs and better use of data could produce attractive economics.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of administrative

Noun

Despite leadership development being a top HR priority, 80% of firms lack confidence in their pipelines, indicating a critical underinvestment in developing managers' cognitive and psychological capabilities.

— Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Factory managers were often on the defensive, since raising vision problems could sound like a critique of their management.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 31 July 2026

Definition of manager

Adjective

Pitching coach Mel Harder managed Cleveland as Jimmy Dykes was fired that morning, ending his 22-year managerial career with a 1,406-1,541 record (103-115 with Cleveland).

— Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
His successes in previous years mean clubs and national teams across the world place his name high up on their lists of targets for vacant managerial positions.

— Gregg Evans, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of managerial

Noun

Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services found 12 categories of abuse and neglect of the Gray children connected to Marcee, including inadequate food, shelter and medical care, director Candice Broce said in court.

— Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
But Park Road Park is perfectly safe, said Walker, the parks director.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of director

Noun

School calendar changes are driven by multiple factors, including reducing summer learning loss, increasing instructional time to prepare for standardized testing, and responding to teacher and administrator preferences.

— The Conversation, Fortune, 27 July 2026
Margie Vela of Amazon Web Services led discussions about artificial intelligence (AI), including hands-on training in agentic AI for university administrators.

— Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of administrator

Noun

Former Chicago Police first deputy superintendent Anthony Riccio said catching these riders isn't easy and riders know it.

— Jermont Terry, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Cancy McArn, the district’s superintendent, sent a rebuttal letter Thursday to Gordon rejecting the county office’s conclusion that the new teachers’ union agreement would not provide enough financial relief to help the district avoid insolvency.

— Chaewon Chung Updated July 31, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of superintendent

Noun

Dawson's own supervisor pushed back on that conclusion, according to the suit, saying the evidence didn't clearly support anyone's version of events.

— CBS News, CBS News, 30 July 2026
About two hours later, in the middle of the night, Lieutenant Patrick Carron from the MDMR spoke with the shift supervisor from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Lieutenant Tracy Odom.

— Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026

Definition of supervisor

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“Executive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/executive. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of executive

adjective

noun

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