achieve

verb

ə-ˈchēv How to pronounce achieve (audio)
Definition of achievenext
1
as in to attain
to obtain (as a goal) through effort finally achieved stardom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to accomplish
to carry through (as a process) to completion finally achieved his purpose, which was to form a first-class boys' choir made up of inner-city kids

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb achieve contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of achieve are accomplish, discharge, effect, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

When might accomplish be a better fit than achieve?

While in some cases nearly identical to achieve, accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

In what contexts can discharge take the place of achieve?

The meanings of discharge and achieve largely overlap; however, discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

How are the words effect and achieve related?

Effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles.

effected sweeping reforms

When could execute be used to replace achieve?

The words execute and achieve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When is fulfill a more appropriate choice than achieve?

The synonyms fulfill and achieve are sometimes interchangeable, but fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When would perform be a good substitute for achieve?

In some situations, the words perform and achieve are roughly equivalent. However, 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 achieve Thus refusing to be sure that laws are faithfully executed in order to achieve political goals appears to violate the separation of powers. —Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 Instead, Chalamet seems to understand that authenticity in the internet age is achieved through different means. —Steven Hyden, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 There’s nothing like a stroke of liner in a fun color for an unexpected beauty moment—and the best eyeliner shades are an easy way to achieve that. —Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2025 As of the end of last year, GM had fewer than 1 billion shares outstanding – achieving a target announced earlier in the year by GM CFO Paul Jacobson. —Michael Wayland, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for achieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for achieve
  1. attain
  2. win
  3. gain
  4. fulfill
  5. make
  6. perform
  7. execute
  8. do
Verb
  • Since taking office in 2015, Duda has pursued a policy of strengthening Poland's military, attaining energy independence from Russia, and deepening strategic ties with Washington.
    — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • To attain the 17:1 ratio of water-to-coffee often touted as ideal by the international Specialty Coffee Association, each 5-ounce cup would require about 8 grams of coffee.
    — Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of attain
Verb
  • Although their opponents are on a streak of ten major ICC ODI wins on the trot, this Indian XI is very much on a mission.
    — Tim Ellis, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, and gave one of the night’s most passionate and powerful speeches.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of win
Verb
  • Why, in a country where where economic crises abound—and were the basis of large demonstrations in 2017 and 2018, did women’s protests gain the solidarity and support of broad segments of society?
    — Narges Mohammadi, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Apple Intelligence is gaining features apace, but there’s one that was announced last June and expected in April this year—an enhanced Siri with greater personalization and the capability to do a lot more.
    — David Phelan, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of gain
Verb
  • Running a bed and breakfast fulfills a long-time dream of hers.
    — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The service will aim to fulfill the original mission of Fubo.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of fulfill
Verb
  • Listen to this article GLENDALE, Ariz. — Noah Schultz made the journey from the bullpen to the mound for the top of the fifth inning Wednesday against the San Diego Padres.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Executives develop breakthrough insights, but those ideas never make it beyond a single presentation or keynote speech.
    — Rhea Wessel, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of make
Verb
  • Other performances were more obviously cathartic, such as the aptly named ‘Emergency Concert’ performed by Treppenhaus Quartet from Germany.
    — Anna Haines, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Elsewhere Thursday morning on Wall Street, KBW downgraded Goldman Sachs to market perform from outperform .
    — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of perform
Verb
  • The episode captures Brandt’s tireless dedication, from lacing up her pointe shoes to executing perfect pirouettes in the middle of a New York City street.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The crime Sigmon, 67, is being executed for the 2001 baseball bat killings of his ex-girlfriend's parents at their home in Greenville County.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of execute
Verb
  • Historic Fed Takeover Attempts Before getting into what presidents have done, start with the 1913 creation of the Federal Reserve by Congress through the Federal Reserve Act.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Brown revealed her new platinum blonde ‘do at the start of the month, before giving her locks their red carpet debut at Sunday’s 2025 SAG Awards.
    — Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of do

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“Achieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/achieve. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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