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 Like every year, Coachella will have some surprise appearances and iconic moments like last year when Will Smith performed with J Balvin, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were spotted enjoying Bleachers and Ice Spice’s sets, and No Doubt reuniting. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 4 Apr. 2025 Tina also revealed that the officiant for the event was her minister, Rudy Rasmus, who also performed the ceremony for Tina and Solange. —Emy Lacroix, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025 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 Leave a comment View Comments Unwind back to standing, then perform the movement, rotating to the left. —Dana Santas, CNN, 23 Mar. 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 Constitution says that the president, the chief executive, shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.
    — Samantha Riedel, Them., 28 Mar. 2025
  • Mikal Mahdi, who pleaded guilty to murder for killing a police officer in 2004, is scheduled to be executed April 11.
    — Jeffrey Collins, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of execute
Verb
  • Several senior agency leaders, including the chief human resources officer, acting commissioner and acting general counsel, have resigned or been demoted since January.
    — Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The two first met when they were paired together in an acting class.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of act
Verb
  • Engage Your Senses In a shared office environment, playing loud music or lighting a scented candle is frowned upon.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Jordan plays Miss Bonita, a pretty teacher who has caught the attention of Cory (Kyle Massey).
    — Angela Andaloro, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of play
Verb
  • The pair worked closely together while Dolan was on the board of directors for Catholic Charities Twin Cities from 2012 to 2017.
    — Brian Brant, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Jonah Bride worked the count full before getting ball 4, and Graham Pauley cleared the bases with a deep double to left field.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of work
Verb
  • The company includes Florida Blue, trade name of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, and now serves over 38 million people across 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands with more than 18,000 employees.
    — Bruce Japsen, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • But McDonald is attempting something far more radical, incorporating her full historical self as a Black woman to serve the musical’s recontextualization.
    — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of serve
Verb
  • During her time in WWE, Barbie Blank portrayed Kelly Kelly.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Related Articles The Newfound Fervor for Indigenous Art Masks Thorny Questions MoMA Made a Solid Choice for Its Next Director, But Not an Inspiring One One segment portrays a church set ablaze, with Sámi protesters holding wooden spears at a group of Norwegian settlers in retreat.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of portray
Verb
  • Will Leather Goods, which has operated a pop-up location in the Stockyards since November 2024, is converting the space into a permanent store that is expected to open in June of this year.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Immigration policy experts say the case is consistent with how Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been operating under the new administration: The goal is meeting quotas, rather than targeted enforcement.
    — Polo Sandoval, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of operate
Verb
  • In addition to hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this formula boasts a host of peptides, including ones that function like growth factors and others that work to rapidly relax and smooth expression lines.
    — Emily Orofino, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Since the turn of the century, Congress has increasingly functioned as a quasi-parliament rather than as an independent branch of government — the legislative branch, to be precise.
    — David M. Drucker, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 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 14 Apr. 2025.

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