charge 1 of 2

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
as in expense
a payment made in the course of achieving a result the charges mounted at a dizzying pace as the building project went way over budget

Synonyms & Similar Words

9
10

charge

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to ask
to set or receive as a price any shop would charge $100 to repair that thing

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in to task
to give a task, duty, or responsibility to we're charging you with the care of your little sister while we're gone for the evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
6
7
8

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb charge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of charge are bid, command, direct, enjoin, instruct, and order. While all these words mean "to issue orders," charge adds to enjoin an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility.

charged by the President with a secret mission

When is bid a more appropriate choice than charge?

While in some cases nearly identical to charge, bid suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants).

she bade him be seated

How are the words command and order related as synonyms of charge?

Both command and order imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality; command stresses official exercise of authority.

a general commanding troops

How do direct and instruct relate to one another, in the sense of charge?

Direct and instruct both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, instruct sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality.

directed her assistant to hold all calls
the judge instructed the jury to ignore the remark

When would enjoin be a good substitute for charge?

The meanings of enjoin and charge largely overlap; however, enjoin implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude.

a sign enjoining patrons to be quiet

In what contexts can order take the place of charge?

The synonyms order and charge are sometimes interchangeable, but order may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise.

ordered his employees about like slaves

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 charge
Noun
The suspect faces additional charges including grand theft, armed trespass and possession of a firearm by a minor, according to the news release. Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025 The brands that adapt, innovate and invest in this evolution could lead the charge in shaping the next frontier of digital engagement. Joel Lamontagne, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
And because this is Switzerland, there is a dense network of charging stations along the entire length of the route, encouraging travelers to hire electric vehicles for their journey. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025 He was also charged with child abuse, kidnapping, burglary, and child neglect. Laura Barcella, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for charge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charge
Noun
  • According to an indictment, Hedges worked at three U.S. Postal Service offices in Brockton — about a 20-mile drive south from Boston — between October 2020 and August 2023.
    Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In November 2024, a superseding indictment was unsealed in a Brooklyn federal court for charges stemming from murders allegedly ordered and committed by national leaders, members and associates of MS-13.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The institute's mission is to promote conflict resolution and the prevention of conflict across the globe.
    Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The mission will also mark the first time that crews have used an X-ray machine on humans in orbit.
    Julian Dossett, Space.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In this new event, six of Florida’s top high school orchestras present concerts and receive adjudication and instruction from industry professionals.
    Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Check the seed packet instructions for correct spacing.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Soundview has taken responsibility for the ongoing remediation, and the state continues to closely monitor that work.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Ben Stevens, brought to Palace in 2015 by Alan Pardew as head of performance analysis, became the assistant sporting director in July 2024 but is unlikely to take on Freedman’s role by himself, even if does adopt more responsibility.
    Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Astringent attack followed by a dense, chewy and edgy mid palate rich with flavors of fudge, chocolate and black cherries; on the finish—toffee, brownies and an explosion of red cherries.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The Palestine Red Crescent Society said four of its ambulances had been surrounded after responding to an Israeli attack in Rafah.
    Abeer Salman, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The scale and timing of price increases will likely vary depending on whether a model or its parts originates in the U.S., as well as a manufacturer’s assessment of its customers’ capacity to absorb higher costs, some experts said.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Healthcare providers consider several factors, including your medical history, cost and insurance coverage, and the potential for side effects or drug interactions.
    Karen Berger, PharmD, Verywell Health, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Our activities promote environmental stewardship, social justice and sound governance practices.
    Suat Bakkal, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • But on two fronts, Grier continued a risky pattern that has marked his stewardship of the franchise, often to his team’s detriment.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Your income potential skyrockets while your expenses stay relatively low.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Brawner has set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses for the brothers with a goal of $20,000.
    James Powel, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Charge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charge. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on charge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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