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

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 execute The Constitution says that the president, the chief executive, shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed. Samantha Riedel, Them., 28 Mar. 2025 That said, the company was only able to recover the second stage of the attack, not the first, which can remotely execute rogue computer code on Chrome. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025 Currently, there are no details available regarding the size of area burned or the crew executing the prescribed fire. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Baldelli saw players who weren’t executing the game plan or playing as a unit, but rather as a collection of individuals. Dan Hayes, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for execute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for execute
Verb
  • The Commission was created to enforce gambling laws and restrictions in Florida after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new agreement with the Seminole Tribe — called a compact — giving the Tribe exclusive rights to offer sports betting in Florida.
    Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
  • In this instance, Boasberg ruled against the president's ability to enforce the nation's immigration laws.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Zetterlund performed well enough on the top line, firing two shots on net with a 52.63 Corsi rating at five-on-five.
    Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The year prior, Alice performed at the college's 2009 commencement ceremony, where Dash's band, Runaway Phoenix, backed him up.
    Nicole Briese, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The expiration date marks the day the Prime Minister of Granada, Maurice Bishop, was assassinated by a firing squad, which was followed by a U.S. military invasion.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • One 1964 document showed that two intelligence assets discussed potentially assassinating Castro under the administration of President Lyndon Johnson.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Soweto Uprising On June 16th, 1976, students in Soweto, South Africa led a protest to oppose the apartheid government’s plans to implement the Afrikaans language in schools for Black students.
    Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Regulators can implement rules to improve content moderation and mandate transparency by social media platforms.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Just ask Davinci Leonard, who’s accused of murdering two teenagers at the Westgate Mall Saturday night.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2025
  • When Does Karen Read's Retrial Start? The retrial of Karen Read, accused of murdering her Boston police officer boyfriend John O'Keefe by ramming him with her vehicle, is due to begin on April 1.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That film’s prescient plot caught a lot of folks’ attention in December, when real-life United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was slain on a New York City sidewalk, allegedly by 26-year-old Jigsaw wannabe Luigi Mangione.
    Benjamin Svetkey and Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The number of people slain so far in 2025: 74. Chicago homicides, by year Data for 2025 is updated through March 12, 2025.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But rather than a breakdown in the constitutional order, this jostling fulfills the Framers’ design for the separation of powers, which encourages conflict between the branches of government.
    Robert J. Delahunty, National Review, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Attempting to fulfill a campaign pledge to deport millions of people, the Trump administration has turned to tactics that have prompted a flurry of court challenges across the country and created an atmosphere of fear.
    Vernal Coleman, ProPublica, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • At least 30 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli strikes on Rafah and Khan Younis so far on Sunday, health authorities said.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The last stop on that tour is the Yellow Oval Room, where A.B. was killed.
    Max Gao, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Execute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/execute. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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