EXECUTE Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

execute

verb

ˈek-si-ˌkyüt

Definition of execute next

as in to enforce

to carry out effectively the agency charged with executing the nation's drug laws

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to perform

to carry through (as a process) to completion when you execute this dance step, try to keep your arms a little higher

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to assassinate

to put to death deliberately during the war those convicted of desertion were summarily executed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Hoping to execute the same blueprint that built UFC, White, the Fertittas and Piligian each invested around $1 million in late 2022 to found Power Slap, a league in which contestants take turns open-hand slapping each other into oblivion. —

Matt Craig, Forbes, 6 Feb. 2025 Texas executed Steven Nelson by lethal injection on Wednesday for the 2011 murder of a beloved young pastor. —

James Powel, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025 The company executed acquisitions totaling $160 million during the year, which included both cash and stock considerations. —

Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 6 Feb. 2025 After Rob’s dramatic betrayal of Bob the Drag Queen, the Traitors had to put their heads together, devise a solid plan, and execute it flawlessly in the castle. —

Vulture Staff, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for execute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for execute

Verb

There's also bipartisan pressure to enforce nonprofit hospitals' responsibility to provide charity care in exchange for their no-tax status, and to more closely examine a drug-purchasing program that many such facilities can take advantage of to get steep discounts on pharmaceuticals.

— Maya Goldman, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
The board will approve the release of grants to support local law enforcement in enforcing federal immigration laws.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025