Synonym Chooser

How does the verb perform contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of perform are accomplish, achieve, discharge, effect, execute, and fulfill. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

When would accomplish be a good substitute for perform?

The meanings of accomplish and perform largely overlap; however, accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How are the words achieve and accomplish related as synonyms of perform?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

Where would discharge be a reasonable alternative to perform?

The words discharge and perform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

How do effect and achieve relate to one another, in the sense of perform?

Effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles.

effected sweeping reforms

When might execute be a better fit than perform?

The synonyms execute and perform are sometimes interchangeable, but execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

In what contexts can fulfill take the place of perform?

Although the words fulfill and perform have much in common, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

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 perform Each task is repeated about 50 times, and patients might perform a total of 300 repetitions in a single session, Subramani Seetharama, a rehabilitation specialist at Hartford HealthCare, said. Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2025 Their offense, though, is performing below league average. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 But while most saw the moment as a liberating one for women, Horsell saw it as another instance of a female playing top-level sport without the necessary support to perform at her best. Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 To perform a squat pulse, start with your feet hip-width apart. Jordan Smith, SELF, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perform
Verb
  • The torturous clobbering comes after Joel saves Abby from infected hordes and is coldly executed in front of his surrogate daughter, Ellie (Bella Ramsey).
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Too often, families focus on assets before people, only to discover that even the most sophisticated investment strategy falters without the right talent executing it.
    Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Alongside Fallon, Saint John will act as the On Brand Agency's Chief Marketing Officer.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • How to act during strong winds Take shelter: Immediately go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Vick had a career-high 540 yards rushing in 1988 and played only four NFL seasons.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • How Nvidia plays export whack-a-mole Culture champion.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trading Warren and some other top prospects for Alcántara could work, but what next?
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Thematically, the fractured friendship works well in a story that is so much about the joys of friendship and the pain of a camaraderie betrayed.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Justice Department asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to allow President Trump to enforce his ban on transgender troops serving openly in the military.
    Ella Lee, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
  • From now until June 27, 18 DMV offices will open at 7 a.m., an hour earlier, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays to serve only people with appointments to obtain a Real ID.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In the slightly longer term, Edward Berger’s Oscar-winning papal drama Conclave has led to a sense of intrigue in terms of the succession process and who may replace Francis, who was himself portrayed by Jonathan Pryce in Fernando Meirelles 2019 movie The Two Popes.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025
  • This hiatus was reportedly attributed to an injury sustained by Bo Dallas, who portrays the Uncle Howdy character, as WWE had specific creative plans in place for the entire group.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Federal Reserve operates independently when setting short-term rates and does not take direction from Congress, the president or political campaigns.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Maybe the youngest entrepreneur operating a booth, Sophia’s Lemonade Stand, was Sophia Escobar, 8, of Ingleside.
    Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Does this sound like a functioning democracy to you?
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The company’s website indicates his business opened in 2017 and has grown from manufacturing meads to functioning as a distillery and vendor for popular Renaissance fairs throughout the state.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perform. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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