Synonyms of perform

perform

verb

pər-ˈfȯrm 

1

as in to execute

to carry through (as a process) to completion

she performed the task quickly and expertly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• execute
• accomplish
• fulfil
• fulfill
• achieve
• do
• implement
• make
• commit
• carry out
• prosecute
• negotiate
• perpetrate
• complete
• pull off
• carry off
• put through
• follow through (with)
• go through
• realize
• finish
• effectuate
• bring off
• compass
• practice
• practise
• effect
• bring about
• attain
• engage (in)
• repeat
• reenact
• ace
• work (at)
• end
• nail
• actualize
• wind up
• reduplicate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fail
• slight
• skimp
• slur

2

as in to act

to have a certain purpose

the kidneys perform as a filtering system for the blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

• act
• serve
• function
• work
• operate
• manage
• administer
• handle
• regulate
• run
• control
• carry on
• guide
• supervise
• direct
• oversee

3

as in to play

to present a portrayal or performance of

has always dreamed of performing Hamlet on stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• play
• portray
• interpret
• do
• depict
• act
• represent
• impersonate
• enact
• render
• dramatize
• act out
• mimic
• imitate
• pose (as)
• take on
• masquerade
• playact
• pantomime
• role-play
• star (in)
• mime
• overact
• ham
• underplay
• coact
• overplay
• ape
• clown
• costar

4

as in to work

to produce a desired effect

the new medication performed surprisingly well

Synonyms & Similar Words

• work
• operate
• take
• act
• react
• respond
• take effect
• result
• take hold
• behave
• affect
• influence
• sway
• pan out
• redound

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• backfire
• fizzle

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

Recent Examples of perform

But this year, the original cast members of Hamilton are not throwing away their shot to perform at Broadway’s biggest night. —Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 3 June 2025

This has forced the library system to pay a contractor $1,500 per month to power-wash the area outside the branch twice a week during the morning hours after previously relying on in-house personnel to perform the task. —Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 23 May 2025

The subjects could only perform those tasks while wearing the special contact lenses. —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025

What companies will actually perform the work to mine the seafloor? —Victor Vescovo, Time, 22 May 2025