discharge 1 of 2

1
as in firing
a directed propelling of a missile by a firearm or artillery piece the thunderous discharge of the cannons

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in release
a freeing from an obligation or responsibility a full discharge from responsibility for the accident

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in dismissal
the termination of the employment of an employee or a work force often temporarily she was resentful over what she felt was a wrongful discharge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

discharge

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to fire
to cause (a projectile) to be driven forward with force Robert Goddard was the first to discharge a rocket containing an instrument package

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in to pay
to give what is owed for discharge a debt in full

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5
6
as in to shoot
to cause a weapon to release a missile with great force felt a strong recoil as the rifle discharged

Synonyms & Similar Words

7

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb discharge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discharge are accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

In what contexts can accomplish take the place of discharge?

The words accomplish and discharge can be used in similar contexts, but accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How do achieve and accomplish relate to one another, in the sense of discharge?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

How are the words effect and achieve related as synonyms of discharge?

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 discharge?

While in some cases nearly identical to discharge, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When would fulfill be a good substitute for discharge?

The words fulfill and discharge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When could perform be used to replace discharge?

While the synonyms perform and discharge are close in meaning, perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

Examples 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 discharge
Noun
In just the last six months, the South Coast AQMD has issued the facility eight such nuisance violations, which indicate a discharge of air contaminants causing odors traced back to Hyperion, according to recent inspector testimony. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024 Symptoms of bird flu in humans can include fever, redness or discharge in eyes, coughing or difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle or body aches, diarrhea and vomiting. Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
Two students who sustained life-threatening injuries during the shooting remained in the hospital and the other four injured have been discharged, police said. Chloe Atkins, NBC News, 21 Dec. 2024 Four of the six who were injured have been discharged from the hospital, officials said. Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for discharge 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discharge
Noun
  • Neither the briefing from Chief Press nor his personal knowledge of Olea’s past firing dissuaded Hofferberth from approving a permit for Olea in 2013 — and reissuing it in 2014, in effect giving Olea the village’s stamp of approval.
    Ana Claudia Chacin, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
  • On Wednesday, crews successfully conducted firing operations along the eastern perimeter of the fire, according to Tonto National Forest.
    Olivia Rose, The Arizona Republic, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • It’s now tied with Homework as the band’s third-highest-rising release on that tally.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Its release in August was largely overshadowed by rumors of a feud between Baldoni and Lively, and by negative chatter about Lively on social media.
    Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The lawsuits are likely destined for dismissal but, by Trump’s thinking, that doesn’t matter.
    Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Other dismissals announced by Zelensky were Ukraine's ambassador to China, Pavlo Riabikin, Vasyl Hamianin (Indonesia), Serhii Korsunskyi (Japan), Petro Beshta (Lithuania), Andriy Taran (Slovenia) and Andrii Pravednyk (Rwanda).
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Leadership in 2025 will require courage, vision, and relentless execution.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
  • One of our most important jobs at The Upshot is to give readers a kind of journalism that wouldn’t otherwise exist at The New York Times — in conception, execution or both.
    The Upshot Staff, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In addition to crashing into the crowd, Jabbar exited the vehicle and fired on law enforcement, who returned fire, and the suspect was declared dead at the scene, according to the bureau.
    Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Within moments, the driver started firing on police officers from inside the vehicle.
    Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 1 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • That might not sound uncommon, but Bucs fans have seen a quarterback who would rather unload a ball in a hurry than risk being tackled by a blitzing linebacker.
    John Romano, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2025
  • McAfee unloaded on Colts players, coaches and culture.
    Mike Sando, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Good was the only female CEO among Charlotte's top 10 highest paid.
    Katie Peralta Soloff, Axios, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Obviously, these innovative companies aren’t paying out dividends.
    Brett Owens, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Brook Lopez set a screen at halfcourt to free Lillard, but Bulls guard Zach LaVine avoided it.
    Eric Nehm, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked in cease-fire talks to end the war and free the hostages held in Gaza.
    Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near discharge

Cite this Entry

“Discharge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discharge. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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