achieve

Definition of achievenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb achieve contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of achieve are accomplish, discharge, effect, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

When might accomplish be a better fit than achieve?

While in some cases nearly identical to achieve, accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

In what contexts can discharge take the place of achieve?

The meanings of discharge and achieve largely overlap; however, discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

How are the words effect and achieve related?

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

effected sweeping reforms

When could execute be used to replace achieve?

The words execute and achieve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When is fulfill a more appropriate choice than achieve?

The synonyms fulfill and achieve are sometimes interchangeable, but fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When would perform be a good substitute for achieve?

In some situations, the words perform and achieve are roughly equivalent. However, perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

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 achieve Listen, no one is better than good in Valentine’s Day, and only a few people achieve that low bar — Hathaway, Queen Latifah (duh), and honestly, Taylor Swift. Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026 This, advocates for collaboration argue, is the path toward achieving exponential impact within a contemporary business environment. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 1 May 2026 It was structured so that the CEO will only cash in if Tesla’s stock soars and the company achieves various operational milestones. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 1 May 2026 Sonja Shaw, 43, the school board president of Chino Valley Unified, has achieved a public profile as a MAGA culture warrior. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for achieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for achieve
Verb
  • Her determination to win the spirit's praise and to attain his immense gifts motivates her to achieve the ultimate dominant position.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026
  • Granted, his policy regarding Iran not attaining a nuclear weapon is a good one.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • The only players to accomplish that feat over the last 40 years are Leon Draisaitl (2022), Mikko Rantanen (2025), Joe Pavelski (2010), Joe Sakic (1997) and Dennis Maruk (1986), according to NHL Stats.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 May 2026
  • While the Cardinals have options for their quarterback job next season, none would be as accomplished as Rodgers.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • The big man, who won the 2016 NBA Championship as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, previously had his younger sibling under a guardianship, according to TMZ.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Schindler also put down the winning kill in both games for the Knights (16-5, 1-1).
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • King Charles' wife then became known as Queen Camilla, fulfilling the late Queen Elizabeth's wish that her daughter-in-law would step into the role when her son acceded.
    Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
  • Like other Jews of the time, including the Sadducees, the Essenes and Jesus himself, the Pharisees were deeply interested in determining how best to fulfill divine will.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • In the early nineteenth century, more than a dozen colonies in the Americas gained their freedom, including Haiti, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • As well as receiving cash to reinvest directly into their businesses, the 5 winners will gain access to Zoom mentorship, technology resources, and partnerships.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • My plan was all an act, or more, an enactment of an act that would never be performed.
    Chang-rae Lee, New Yorker, 3 May 2026
  • After every race, his team analyzes a litany of granular data points, including which skis performed best on what kind of snow and which garments correlated with faster results.
    Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • The pop star arrived at the gala wearing a Dior dress made completely of film.
    Dalila Muata, NBC news, 5 May 2026
  • Vahmistrovs made the decision to end his hockey career in high school in order to pursue aviation and play baseball next year at Dubuque.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
Verb
  • French revolutionaries sought to remake their society, executing tens of thousands of those who stood in their way.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • With approximately $27 million in cash as of March 31, 2026, AVAX One has the runway to execute without immediate pressure to sell digital assets or dilute shareholders.
    Tracy Yochum, Miami Herald, 4 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Achieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/achieve. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on achieve

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster