Synonyms of discharge

discharge 1 of 2

noun

ˈdis-ˌchärj 

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

• firing
• blasting
• bombardment
• barrage
• shot
• volley
• burst
• blitz
• shower
• hail
• cannonade
• fusillade
• salvo
• storm
• drumfire
• blitzkrieg
• potshot
• broadside

2

as in release

a freeing from an obligation or responsibility

a full discharge from responsibility for the accident

Synonyms & Similar Words

• release
• delivery
• exemption
• waiver
• immunity
• quittance
• dispensation
• quietus

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

• dismissal
• firing
• furlough
• axe
• layoff
• ax
• closing
• pink slip
• redundancy
• shutdown
• sack
• boot
• downsizing
• bum's rush
• bird
• shakeout
• heave-ho
• shake-up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reemployment
• recall
• callback
• rehiring
• rehire

4

as in execution

the doing of an action

aided in the discharge of his duties by a capable assistant

Synonyms & Similar Words

• execution
• fulfilment
• fulfillment
• implementation
• perpetration
• accomplishment
• performance
• prosecution
• achievement
• enactment
• management
• application
• pursuance
• handling
• commission
• administration
• expedition
• operation
• dispatch
• direction
• practice
• practise

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonperformance
• nonfulfillment

discharge

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈchärj 

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

• fire
• shoot
• launch
• throw
• loose
• blast
• squeeze off
• hurl
• project
• fling
• blaze (at)
• cast
• sling
• toss
• snipe (at)
• catapult
• heave
• pelt
• pitch
• hurtle
• lob

2

as in to unload

to empty or rid of cargo

docks for discharging containerships

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unload
• evacuate
• unlade
• unpack
• disencumber
• disburden
• unburden
• relieve
• off-load
• vacate
• empty
• free
• lighten
• void
• clear

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• load
• pack
• fill
• charge
• heap
• jam
• stuff
• cram
• jam-pack

3

as in to pay

to give what is owed for

discharge a debt in full

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pay
• meet
• balance
• settle
• pay off
• pay up
• liquidate
• foot
• stand
• clear
• spring (for)
• ante (up)
• pony up
• quit
• recompense

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• repudiate

4

as in to release

to set free (as from slavery or confinement)

discharged the prisoners upon the signing of the peace treaty

Synonyms & Similar Words

• release
• free
• rescue
• liberate
• save
• spring
• emancipate
• manumit
• loose
• turn loose
• loosen
• enlarge
• enfranchise
• unbind
• disenthrall
• disenthral
• bail (out)
• unfetter
• parole
• uncage
• unchain
• redeem
• ransom
• disengage
• deliver
• extricate
• disentangle
• disencumber
• disembarrass
• unshackle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• restrain
• confine
• bind
• jail
• fetter
• commit
• shackle
• lock (up)
• handcuff
• imprison
• incarcerate
• enchain
• intern
• trammel
• subdue
• subjugate
• conquer
• enslave
• manacle
• immure

5

as in to cast

to throw or give off

the mighty river discharges its waters into the ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words

• release
• cast
• radiate
• emit
• expel
• issue
• emanate
• eliminate
• send (out)
• shoot
• exhale
• evolve
• vent
• throw out
• pour
• irradiate
• give out
• evacuate
• expire
• excrete
• eject
• spray
• ooze
• secrete
• erupt
• jet
• exude
• squirt
• gush
• spurt
• spew
• spout
• outpour

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• take up
• absorb
• inhale
• soak (up)
• suck (up)
• sponge

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

• fire
• shoot
• blast
• pepper
• blaze
• snipe
• potshot
• plink

7

as in to sack

to let go from office, service, or employment

15 people were discharged when the embezzling ring was discovered

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sack
• remove
• dismiss
• release
• fire
• retire
• terminate
• can
• axe
• turn off
• ax
• excess
• pink-slip
• bounce
• muster out
• send packing
• show (someone) the door
• lay off
• cashier
• furlough
• kick out
• downsize
• trim
• chuck (out)
• drum (out)
• separate
• throw out
• boot (out)
• unseat

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• retain
• engage
• employ
• hire
• sign (up or on)
• keep
• take on
• contract
• reemploy
• recruit
• rehire
• subcontract

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of discharge

Noun

And even if no other Republicans join, that discharge petition is on track to reach the 218-signature threshold to force action as soon as two more Democrats are elected in special elections later this month. —Emily Brooks, The Hill, 8 Sep. 2025

Initially receiving a general discharge, Matlovich’s status was posthumously elevated to honorable. —Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Verb

The union noted that IBR in particularly is not subject to any legal challenge or court injunction blocking the Department of Education from discharging borrowers’ student loans. —Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

Typically, if an employee doesn’t meet those goals, they’ll be asked to resign or will be discharged. —Julia Sullivan, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025