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 Hussein was executed by hanging three years later after he was convicted of crimes against humanity. Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 13 Dec. 2024 By Brian Bennett December 13, 2024 7:00 AM EST Five days before Joe Biden was sworn in as President and effectively stopped federal executions, the Trump Administration executed its 13th federal inmate, Dustin Higgs. Brian Bennett, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024 To ensure thorough and systematic implementation of the programs, the Care and Loneliness Policy Bureau of the Seoul Metropolitan Government functions as the control tower, developing and executing detailed policies to address challenges effectively. Hakyung Kate Lee, ABC News, 13 Dec. 2024 Qualcomm's Snapdragon Digital Chassis technology will be used in the production model, giving the car the ability to execute up to 800 trillion actions in a second. New Atlas, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for execute 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for execute
Verb
  • As the holidays approach, family photographers should keep in mind one fact − copyright laws do exist, and they can be enforced.
    Max Hauptman, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Stricter Cybersecurity Regulations: Governments will enforce stricter compliance standards, making cybersecurity a top priority across industries.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • This can be performed in separate locations or between individuals in the same room using a speakerphone.
    Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Kamilah performed an original rap that hyped up Seacrest.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Since Haiti’s last president, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated by mercenaries in his home more than three years ago, the country has been gripped by gang violence that has left more than 12,000 people dead and another 800,000 displaced.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024
  • In a truly unprecedented move, the IAF successfully assassinated Israel’s long-time enemy, veteran Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, on September 27, 2024, in an enormous airstrike on Beirut.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Called the Forward Pediatric Alliance, the joint program will take a few years to implement fully.
    Sarah Volpenhein, Journal Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024
  • To safeguard sensitive customer data and financial information, implementing measures such as multifactor authentication, end-to-end encryption and real-time breach monitoring is essential.
    Anushree Jain, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Bundy confessed to raping and murdering 30 women before his execution in 1989, although law enforcement officials believe the number is much higher.
    Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Written and directed by Nolan, Memento stars Pearce as Leonard, a man struggling with short-term memory loss while trying to track down the man who raped and murdered his wife.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • David slayed the giant with a slingshot; Esther by her cunning saved her people.
    Gwen Faulkenberry, arkansasonline.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • The famous mother-daughter duo slayed in coordinating looks for both the 2019 premiere of The Lion King as well as the Mufasa: The Lion King 2024 premiere.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the backlog of unfulfilled orders has reached a record 17,000: at current delivery rates, this would take 14 years to fulfill, although the wait time is expected to eventually shorten.
    Ted Reed, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Many of the happiest super-agers never retire and have purposeful jobs that fulfill them.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Since the war began, Israeli strikes have killed around 700 people tasked with protecting the trucks, according to local officials.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Only Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer supported by the Spanish crown, had led a circumnavigation of the globe before, although he was killed in the Philippines in 1521, and only his crew completed the journey.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near execute

Cite this Entry

“Execute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/execute. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on execute

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