discharge 1 of 2

Definition of dischargenext
1
as in firing
a directed propelling of a missile by a firearm or artillery piece the thunderous discharge of the cannons

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in release
a freeing from an obligation or responsibility a full discharge from responsibility for the accident

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in dismissal
the termination of the employment of an employee or a work force often temporarily she was resentful over what she felt was a wrongful discharge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

discharge

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to fire
to cause (a projectile) to be driven forward with force Robert Goddard was the first to discharge a rocket containing an instrument package

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in to pay
to give what is owed for discharge a debt in full

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5
6
as in to shoot
to cause a weapon to release a missile with great force felt a strong recoil as the rifle discharged

Synonyms & Similar Words

7

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb discharge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discharge are accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

In what contexts can accomplish take the place of discharge?

The words accomplish and discharge can be used in similar contexts, but 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 discharge?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

How are the words effect and achieve related as synonyms of discharge?

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 discharge?

While in some cases nearly identical to discharge, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When would fulfill be a good substitute for discharge?

The words fulfill and discharge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When could perform be used to replace discharge?

While the synonyms perform and discharge 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

How does the verb discharge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discharge are accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

In what contexts can accomplish take the place of discharge?

The words accomplish and discharge can be used in similar contexts, but 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 discharge?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

How are the words effect and achieve related as synonyms of discharge?

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 discharge?

While in some cases nearly identical to discharge, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When would fulfill be a good substitute for discharge?

The words fulfill and discharge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When could perform be used to replace discharge?

While the synonyms perform and discharge 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 discharge
Noun
On Monday, the Santa Monica Police Department announced that officers had arrested Jaysawn Williams, 18, of Rialto, who was booked on suspicion of assault with a firearm and grossly negligent discharge of a firearm. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026 The teen was quickly apprehended and charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, endangerment with a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license. Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
The robot will vacuum oil from the water’s surface, return to its base station to discharge the collected oil, and then redeploy to the spill site. Ben Coxworth march 10, New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2026 Witnesses observed two people emerging from a white Honda CR-V and discharge a handgun at the consulate before driving away, according to Barredo. Aleem Agha, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discharge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discharge
Noun
  • Meanwhile, his company’s treatment of its essential workers, and the firing of Chris Smalls, an outspoken employee in a Staten Island warehouse, triggered the creation of the first Amazon union—a milestone in the recent surge of labor activism in America.
    George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
  • By the end of March, Miller had become the new coach of Texas after the firing of Rodney Terry.
    Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Traipsing down the Hollywood Farmers Market with giant heads of lettuce and overgrown bouquets feels not only like release, but also resistance and resilience.
    Elisa Wouk Almino Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The release of the subpoena comes as speculation about a federal investigation has ratcheted up within City Hall over the last year.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Florida otherwise gets a pat dismissal in Newsom’s memoir.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Authorities say Jesus Briceno Carrillo, 31, weaved into oncoming traffic, passed cars on the shoulder, and sped past three schools during dismissal before deputies caught him on a dead‑end road.
    Doug Myers, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Throughout the fourth quarter, the Spartans (32-7) kept finding open players with near-perfect execution on offense.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The most glaring examples are his bold, brilliant strikes against Venezuela and Iran, militarily brilliant in concept and execution.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Kennedy, a leading anti-vaccine activist before becoming the nation's top health official, fired the entire 17-member panel last year and replaced it with a group that includes several anti-vaccine voices.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Jones lost grip of the bag, and the man fired toward the teen several times, according to the probable cause statement.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That’s language more commonly used to unload credenzas on Facebook Marketplace than to solicit Broadway backers.
    Andrew Zucker, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
  • And frankly, where was this courage in 2023 when Payton unloaded on Wilson at Detroit?
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Billy Crystal paid tribute to the late Rob Reiner by highlighting the filmmaker’s many notable movies and impact on the industry.
    Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The wait times and pay changes are a result of a partial shutdown that began in mid-February after Congress failed to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees TSA.
    Kate Perez, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The step aims to free up Russian cargoes stranded at sea and ease supply shortages caused by the Iran war.
    SYLVIE CORBET, Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
  • In addition to straining the CCP’s energy supply lines, eliminating the malign influence of the mullahs would free up the resources of the United States and its allies to confront Chinese aggression against Taiwan and its other neighbors.
    Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Discharge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discharge. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

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