perform

verb

pər-ˈfȯrm How to pronounce perform (audio)
Definition of performnext
1
as in to execute
to carry through (as a process) to completion she performed the task quickly and expertly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to act
to have a certain purpose the kidneys perform as a filtering system for the blood

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to play
to present a portrayal or performance of has always dreamed of performing Hamlet on stage

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to work
to produce a desired effect the new medication performed surprisingly well

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 perform But this year, the original cast members of Hamilton are not throwing away their shot to perform at Broadway’s biggest night. —Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 3 June 2025 This has forced the library system to pay a contractor $1,500 per month to power-wash the area outside the branch twice a week during the morning hours after previously relying on in-house personnel to perform the task. —Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 23 May 2025 The subjects could only perform those tasks while wearing the special contact lenses. —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025 What companies will actually perform the work to mine the seafloor? —Victor Vescovo, Time, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for perform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perform
  1. execute
  2. act
  3. play
  4. work
  5. serve
  6. portray
  7. operate
  8. function
Verb
  • The Syrian government even returned the belongings of the Israeli spy Eli Cohen, who was executed in Damascus in 1965 after his espionage was discovered, in a goodwill gesture.
    — Natasha Hall, Foreign Affairs, 27 May 2025
  • The bride clarified that each idea only took about a minute to execute if not less time.
    — Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of execute
Verb
  • Expansion process As Daly noted in a Q&A with The Athletic two weeks ago, the league doesn’t anticipate opening a traditional expansion process as much as continuing to listen to interested parties and perhaps acting on it from there at some point in time.
    — Pierre LeBrun, New York Times, 5 June 2025
  • Under the rescissions rules Congress has 45 days to act and the House is scheduled to vote first next week.
    — Deirdre Walsh, NPR, 4 June 2025
Definition of act
Verb
  • Baty plays second base on days when Vientos starts at the hot corner, and Vientos gets DH days to get Baty at third.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
  • Both Earps and Hampton have played a very similar number of minutes and faced a very similar number of shots, but Earps’ shot-stopping has not been as strong, conceding 1.6 goals more than expected, based on the quality of shots faced.
    — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Definition of play
Verb
  • And then there’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are no longer working royals and whose relationship with the rest of the family is strained at best.
    — Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 31 May 2025
  • In rubble there is always opportunity, especially for a first-time manager who has worked his whole life for this chance.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
Definition of work
Verb
  • This requirement effectively limits poll worker eligibility to U.S. citizens and excludes most noncitizens, with a few exceptions, such as high school students serving as student poll workers under supervision.
    — Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • The sales tax measure would be limited to areas served by MTS, so North County communities would be excluded because they are served by the North County Transit District.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Definition of serve
Verb
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories Tony Martinez as Pepino Garcia Tony Martinez portrayed Pepino, the McCoys’ farmhand who often served as comic relief.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 31 May 2025
  • According to Salvador, Maje portrayed herself as a victim of psychological and physical abuse.
    — Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 30 May 2025
Definition of portray
Verb
  • For years, sales teams have operated under intense pressure to hit growth targets.
    — Sean Brophy, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Specific programs targeted for elimination include the Mars Sample Return mission, the currently operating Mars Odyssey and MAVEN missions around Mars, and several missions to Venus.
    — Wendy Whitman Cobb, The Conversation, 3 June 2025
Definition of operate
Verb
  • The goal is to implant a functioning valve for the first time in her life.
    — Jordan Greene, People.com, 4 June 2025
  • His win is the sign of a functioning democracy and a refutation of authoritarianism.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 4 June 2025
Definition of function

Browse Nearby Words

perforce
perform
performance
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Cite this Entry

“Perform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perform. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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