Synonym Chooser

How does the verb perform contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of perform are accomplish, achieve, discharge, effect, execute, and fulfill. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

When would accomplish be a good substitute for perform?

The meanings of accomplish and perform largely overlap; however, accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How are the words achieve and accomplish related as synonyms of perform?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

Where would discharge be a reasonable alternative to perform?

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

discharged his duties

How do effect and achieve relate to one another, in the sense of perform?

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 perform?

The synonyms execute and perform are sometimes interchangeable, but execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

In what contexts can fulfill take the place of perform?

Although the words fulfill and perform have much in common, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

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 perform In a follow-up study, wine and coffee experts performed just as badly as novices when given non-wine and non-coffee smells, suggesting the Jahai’s enhanced abilities aren’t simply a result of practice in attending to aromas. Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024 The pop superstar will perform on Christmas Day, December 25, marking a game-changing moment for both Queen Bey and the NFL. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 Cory has looked for opportunities to improve himself as a musician, performing in every Honor Band, Community Band, High School Ensemble possible. Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 22 Dec. 2024 Kamilah performed an original rap that hyped up Seacrest. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perform 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perform
Verb
  • Spending any time or resources to execute 32 steps when 11 would achieve the same outcome is still inefficient, even if the task is automated or AI-assisted.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Campbell made a controversial decision to execute an onside kick, which subsequently failed, in the fourth quarter when the Lions were trailing by 10 points with 12 minutes left on the clock.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Grenell, former acting Director of National Intelligence, was earlier mentioned as a possible Ukraine war envoy.
    Trevor Hunnicutt and Steve Holland, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Taganrog is one of the main cities in the southern Rostov region, and its acting governor Yuri Slyusar said that a missile attack damaged an industrial enterprise and cars in its parking lot, without providing further details.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In an earlier episode, the family’s patriarch, John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, was murdered.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Vincent Trocheck stressed the need to play tighter and have short memories on the ice.
    Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Transportation Security Administration agents who operate security at airports, as well as air-traffic control workers would be required to work.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
  • During an appearance on Call Her Daddy, Perry responded to a question about her decision to work with Dr. Luke.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Washington's Pope was inspired by Judy Smith, who previously served as deputy press secretary in President George H. W. Bush's administration.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024
  • This sideshow won’t change the ultimate outcome and true justice will be served soon.
    Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The Full House alum will portray law enforcement officer Lieutenant Bishop in the upcoming procedural drama On Call.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Advertisement The new footage also offers glimpses of Superman’s civilian persona, Clark Kent, bustling into the offices of the Daily Planet, as well as his colleague Lois Lane (portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan) and nemesis Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult).
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Publix Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Hours Publix, which operates nearly 1,500 stores in the Southeast shuts down on Christmas Day.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
  • This week, the firm—which already operates four large charging stations in the New York City area and is due to open another in Los Angeles in 2026—announced details of its next raft of charging stations in the San Francisco Bay Area.
    Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The report said that safety systems that depend on the ECU that does not function properly or at all will increase the risk of a crash.
    Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Suddenly thrust into the spotlight, DMC—who loved comic books and writing rhymes alone in his room—eventually couldn’t function without alcohol.
    Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near perform

Cite this Entry

“Perform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perform. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on perform

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