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
Jeffrey Michael Kelly, 60, faces multiple charges that include unlawful discharge, shooting at a non-residential structure, terrorism and criminal damage. Julia Reinstein, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2024 Blue Loop has a 98 percent recovery rate resulting in nearly zero wastewater discharge. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2024
Verb
She was discharged about eight hours later, according to ProPublica. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2024 And student loans didn’t become easier to discharge in bankruptcy court until 2022. Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for discharge 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discharge
Noun
  • Adra’s filming begins in 2019 and stretches until 2023, chronicling the Israeli government’s attempt to evict the villagers by force, having claimed the land for a military training facility and firing range in 1981.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024
  • Yes, but: These firings look justified, Domenique Camacho Moran, an employment attorney tells Axios.
    Emily Peck, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The Seahawks’ linebacker corps has undergone a radical, in-season makeover, with last month’s trade for Ernest Brown IV and Tuesday’s release of leading tackler Tyrel Dodson, who’ll be replaced by rookie Tyrice Knight.
    Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The release said the project would improve pedestrian safety.
    Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The hearing officer agreed but despite his dismissal of the summons, the sheriff’s office opted to keep the closure order in place for one year.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024
  • Expect the Clippers to shed further light on Shelton’s dismissal.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • But the state abandoned the execution after prison staff failed to establish an IV line, exposing the difficulties with administering the death penalty.
    Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • However, execution of Honeywell’s current operations has been spotty and is hurting the stock.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Evans then allegedly turned the gun on the man, firing several shots as the victim attempted to swat away his gun with the baton.
    Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • The person suggested the decision was made in response to an article in Politico magazine, which reported that a Trump campaign field director was fired for being a White nationalist.
    Kristen Holmes, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The Purdy-McCaffrey combo showed up best a few snaps before Kittle’s touchdown: McCaffrey raced down the right sideline past linebacker Lavonte David and caught a 30-yard prayer from Purdy, who unloaded that pass just before getting drilled in the chest by William Gholston.
    Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Another time, Benson was unloading groceries in her kitchen when a man started pounding on the door, forcing her to send her son into the basement and call for help.
    Philip Elliott, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The company has settled a legal proceeding related to a lease agreement, agreeing to pay $100,000 in rent and $13,953 in nonrefundable rent deposit.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The developers agreed to pay him another $50,000 later, the indictment said.
    Bracey Harris, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • More than 100 of the hostages have been released – most as part of a cease-fire deal last November, and some freed in Israeli military operations.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
  • In hindsight, her mother became obsessed with finding a road that didn’t exist in order to free her family of a curse.
    Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near discharge

Cite this Entry

“Discharge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discharge. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on discharge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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