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
  • Cramer said Wall Street might want to more seriously consider what a TikTok ban would mean for the market, saying if the law is upheld it will likely be enforced by platforms like Apple and Google.
    Julie Coleman, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The Justice Department is currently enforcing 15 existing agreements and has opened 12 new investigations into law enforcement agencies since Biden's term began.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Legendary actor Harrison Ford eats there on his trips to Wichita when his maintenance performed on his plane, per a Wichita Eagle story.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Six other teams also performed worse at home than on the road, including two home teams this playoff weekend: the Baltimore Ravens (hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night) and the Houston Texans (hosting the Los Angeles Chargers to kick off the playoff slate).
    Michael Salfino, The Athletic, 10 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
  • The tradition of a national day of mourning following the death of a notable public figure began in the U.S. after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, according to The New York Times.
    Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • What the field struggled with, though, was implementing non-linear functions in photonics.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 12 Jan. 2025
  • My earlier articles examined the diverse strategies for implementing mandatory e-invoicing in Poland, Belgium, France and Germany.
    Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • The projections came as a surprise after the Fed delivered a definitive half-point rate cut in September and messaging that suggested the post-pandemic inflation had been all but slayed.
    Tobias Burns, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Indianapolis crime 2024:Brothers slain six days apart among this year's unsolved killings Homicides, shootings and more: How violent was Indianapolis this year?
    Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The company can now fulfill customer orders from store locations, without the fulfillment center, Kohl's said.
    Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
  • According to the release, the company in recent years has expanded its ability to fulfill customer orders directly from store locations.
    Gil Macias, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • By comparison, Hurricane Katrina, the 2005 storm that devastated New Orleans, killed more than 1,800 and cost about $200 billion, according to federal estimates.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Those winds have fanned wildfires into destructive infernos across Los Angeles, killing at least 11 and displacing tens of thousands this week.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near execute

Cite this Entry

“Execute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/execute. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on execute

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