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

Ministers hold little direct influence over administrative agencies, allowing the agencies to operate independently of executive authority. — Daniel Waldenstrom, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026 The lawsuit names Addenbrooke, Principal John Byrne and former executive director Ric Netzer as defendants. — Katie Langford, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2026

Noun

Liscano, the American Airlines executive, said a lot of variables went into the decision to resume service, including current market conditions. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 1 Nov. 2026 Related Stories These awards aim to help emerging talent be discovered by agents, managers, producers, executives and other industry leaders seeking new voices. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 31 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for executive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for executive

Adjective

In Hartford immigration court, these three outcomes — administrative closure, termination or dismissal — were most often used in removal cases dealing with young people, including some SIJS applicants.

— Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
The indictment is connected to King’s placement on administrative leave of a top commander who was one of two people whose report of the harassment of an office training coordinator spurred a criminal investigation.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of administrative

Noun

This was him—sans manager and inching toward divorce with Sara Lownds, the mother of his first five children—acting on his own advice, gathering his friends and just getting onstage, high and electrified and focused and free.

— Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2026
Danielle DeBoe Harper is the senior creative style manager at Moen.

— Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of manager

Adjective

Meanwhile, Brad Ausmus, the Yankees’ bench coach the last few years, is a candidate for the Astros’ managerial vacancy.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 Nov. 2026
Professional and business services — a broad category of administrative and managerial workers — added 70,000 jobs.

— Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of managerial

Noun

Ballard was Newsom’s communications director from 2007 to 2010, when the outgoing governor was mayor of San Francisco.

— Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Anna Saavedra serves as the director of the Center for Civic Society within the University of Southern California Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy and Government Service.

— Ismar Volić, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of director

Noun

Questions also remain about the district’s disciplinary investigation, Young’s employment status and what changes, if any, administrators will make to the football program before next season.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Public school district administrators across the county pushed to get the proposition on the ballot, which, if adopted, will add more to county homeowners’ tax burden.

— Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of administrator

Noun

Richard Barrera will be the next state superintendent of public instruction, with opponent Sonja Shaw conceding the race on Wednesday.

— Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
In 1790, Robert Morris, the superintendent of finances during the Continental Congress and a financier of the American Revolution, asked Congress to investigate his handling of the country’s finances and was exonerated of any wrongdoing.

— Gibbs Knotts, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of superintendent

Noun

Patrick Yaroch, 37, was a supervisor in the FBI's counterintelligence and espionage division until his arrest this summer.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Nov. 2026
Serna endorsed Guerra, who is also supported by three other Sacramento supervisors and Sacramento councilmembers Roger Dickinson, Phil Pluckebaum and Rick Jennings.

— Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of supervisor

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Style

“Executive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/executive. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of executive

adjective

noun

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