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

Lindsey Carter, executive director for the California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association, said that lawmakers were proactive in hearing their concerns in drafting the new rules. — Vince Basada, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026 The idea that the relationship was ending sets off alarm bells for experts like Nikki Engel, who serves as the co-executive director of Violence Free Minnesota. — Conor Wight, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Noun

The basketball world has lost one of its titans, as former Warriors coach and executive Don Nelson died Sunday at the age of 86. — Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026 Abarca suspended his campaign for county executive on July 20 after his removal as chair. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for executive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for executive

Adjective

Legal fees, delays, and administrative costs sometimes consume assets meant for heirs or charities.

— Medora Lee, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026
Robinson has been placed on administrative leave, district officials said in a statement to WFAA.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of administrative

Noun

General manager Ross Atkins, hours after the deadline, apologized to fans for the disappointment on the heels of a World Series appearance.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
How Goldman benefits As a joint book-running manager, the bank captures fees across every step of these transactions.

— Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of manager

Adjective

The 1-0 defeat of Chelsea the following August saw Arsene Wenger secure his first victory over managerial rival Jose Mourinho at the 14th attempt.

— Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Summary The Philadelphia Phillies clinched a dramatic 7-6 extra-innings win against the Toronto Blue Jays, sparked by a controversial managerial call.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of managerial

Noun

And officials who reach the rank of director-general and above generally have to live with permanent limits on their freedom to travel abroad, even after retirement.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
At the recommendation of assistant director of player personnel Jason Stein, the Mets signed Yan to a two-year minor-league deal, an unusual contract for a healthy pitcher.

— Will Sammon, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of director

Noun

Hilliard served as the administrator of Colorado’s Nike Elite program from 2021 to 2025, managing funds from the sportswear giant’s program to provide high school athletes with mentorship and equipment.

— Matt Moret, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Apart from the Phantasm films, Bannister played a rest home administrator in Coscarelli’s 2002 horror comedy Bubba Ho-Tep, starring Evil Dead movie franchise icon Bruce Campbell.

— Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of administrator

Noun

Ramon Miramontes, superintendent of the Cabrillo Unified School District, said in a statement Friday that Farnsworth was placed on leave after police informed the district of the investigation on Wednesday.

— Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026
Among the building’s new amenities, according to Ann Williams, the district’s deputy superintendent for operations and chief school business official, is the space where most of the Thursday gathering took place.

— Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of superintendent

Noun

One supervisor described O'Neill's behavior as bullying and an attempt to intimidate.

— Joe Holden, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Early voting in the primary election is well underway, and vote-by-mail ballots are arriving at supervisors of elections’ offices.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of executive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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