Synonym Chooser

How does the verb execute contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of execute are accomplish, achieve, discharge, effect, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When is it sensible to use accomplish instead of execute?

While in some cases nearly identical to execute, 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 execute?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

When is discharge a more appropriate choice than execute?

The words discharge and execute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

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

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

effected sweeping reforms

In what contexts can fulfill take the place of execute?

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

fulfilled their ambitions

When might perform be a better fit than execute?

While the synonyms perform and execute 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 execute Responding officers initially found two bodies and, after executing a search warrant, found two other bodies. Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 14 Jan. 2025 Despite having a few components to consider (the drone, the remote, and the smartphone app), the engineering and integration are well executed. PCMAG, 14 Jan. 2025 But just 13 California inmates have been executed since, state data shows. Sharon Bernstein, Sacramento Bee, 14 Jan. 2025 Corruption investigators are determined to execute the arrest warrant against Yoon – the first time such action has been taken against a sitting president. Helen Regan, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for execute 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for execute
Verb
  • How about enforcing the 45 mph speed limit on DuSable Lake Shore Drive?
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
  • This may require repealing or reforming laws such as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which grants the President authority to regulate commerce during national emergencies, and the Bank Secrecy Act, which enforces stringent anti-money laundering and financial surveillance measures.
    Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Marczak still played and performed, but largely for other bands.
    Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The health scare comes after Mantra of the Cosmos — which also includes Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder, percussionist Mark ‘Bez’ Berry and guitarist Andy Bell — performed Jan. 19 at Liverpool's Cavern Club, the same venue where The Beatles got their start.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The honor is not exclusively reserved for presidents, though—there were national days of mourning after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated.
    Molly Bohannon, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
  • After President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, the New York Stock Exchange closed for days.
    Maria Aspan, NPR, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Whitney’s successfully pressures university officials to implement mental and physical safety regulations for student athletes and rejoins the soccer team after quitting to prioritize her health.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, his administration could implement additional measures to dismantle the financial networks of these organizations.
    Anna Lagos, WIRED, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The GoFundMe established this week singles out her 5-year-old son as needing special attention after seeing his mom get murdered.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
  • California For Subscribers The Mexican Mafia Tapes: Secret recordings reveal greed, betrayal — and a deal with the feds Sept. 4, 2024 Stinson had already been serving a life sentence for murdering a drug dealer in 1979.
    Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Putin cannot slay inflation because Russian interest rates are already at a whopping 21%, and the Russian ruble is collapsing.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
  • With Mikko camped out to his right midway through the second stanza, Makar beat DeSmith glove-side with a wrister from the blue line for his 100th career goal, slaying the Avs’ power-play dragon and becoming the fastest active defenseman in the NHL to hit the century mark as a pro.
    Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Parents and school boards have broad discretion to fulfill that important responsibility.
    Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 25 Jan. 2025
  • The bookstore’s popularity has allowed Lewis, who is a longtime practitioner in the field of Afrocentric mental health, to fulfill a dream.
    Tony Perrottet, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Moments later, she was killed….This child lost his mother and father in mere seconds.
    Zeena Saifi, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Teen shooter kills student, then himself at Nashville high school In: South Carolina Lucia Suarez Sang Lucia Suarez Sang is an associate managing editor at CBSNews.com.
    Lucia Suarez Sang, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near execute

Cite this Entry

“Execute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/execute. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on execute

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