discharge 1 of 2

noun

ˈdis-ˌchärj How to pronounce discharge (audio)
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
as in execution
the doing of an action aided in the discharge of his duties by a capable assistant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

discharge

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈchärj How to pronounce discharge (audio)
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
as in to unload
to empty or rid of cargo docks for discharging containerships

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to pay
to give what is owed for discharge a debt in full

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to release
to set free (as from slavery or confinement) discharged the prisoners upon the signing of the peace treaty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to cast
to throw or give off the mighty river discharges its waters into the ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to sack
to let go from office, service, or employment 15 people were discharged when the embezzling ring was discovered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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
Borrowers can also explore administrative discharge options such as the Total and Permanent Disability discharge program or Borrower Defense to Repayment, depending on eligiblity. —Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 These acidic discharges, known as acid mine drainage, are among the region’s most persistent environmental problems. —Alan Collins, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
Residents and environmental activists have expressed concern about potential contaminants entering the water in Lebanon and then being discharged with it into the reservoir. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 26 Jan. 2026 Last year, raw sewage was discharged into rivers and coastal waters in England for nearly 4 million hours. —Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discharge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discharge
  1. firing
  2. release
  3. dismissal
  4. execution
  5. fire
  6. unload
  7. pay
  8. free
Noun
  • The board’s firing of then-Superintendent Marie Feagins just months into her tenure led to White and Taylor filing takeover legislation last year.
    — Bri Hatch, Chalkbeat, 26 Jan. 2026
  • His hiring comes less than two weeks after Herbert fell to 0-3 in the playoffs following a 16-3 AFC wild-card loss to the New England Patriots, resulting in offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s firing.
    — Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Definition of firing
Noun
  • The first lady, 55, also launched her own production company, Muse Films, ahead of the movie's release.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Washington County officials issued a shelter-in-place notice for the Langeloth neighborhood over concerns about a potential release of hydrogen peroxide into the air, although the notice has since been lifted.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of release
Noun
  • Mathieu played just two collegiate seasons before his dismissal in 2012 and subsequent entry into a drug rehabilitation program.
    — Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • At Rufus King International Middle School, students must store their phones in a vault each morning and retrieve them at dismissal.
    — Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of dismissal
Noun
  • However, in recent years, expanding through acquisitions has required more sophisticated thinking and execution.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The stock reflects a flawless execution scenario, with limited leeway for mistakes in light of challenges from China and modest short-term growth.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of execution
Verb
  • Lakeside's previous police chief, who also served as mayor, Robert Gordanaire, was fired after he and his daughter, the town clerk, were indicted by a grand jury for selling vehicles belonging to the town and pocketing the profit.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Even the oldest maxim about cab drivers and bell hops giving share prices was tested by relating an anecdote about comments in his village pub from locals and complete strangers firing questions at him and a fellow gold trader about the gold price.
    — Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Definition of fire
Verb
  • In a key demonstration, the humanoid autonomously unloaded and reloaded a dishwasher across an entire kitchen without resets or human input.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026
  • But the billionaire class does not seem to be deterred by slightly off-piste locations in the era of private jets and motor courts — 80 Clarkson has one, of course, with intricate metalwork, so drivers needn’t unload on the street, and there’s also a waiting room for them.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 27 Jan. 2026
Definition of unload
Verb
  • This means any unpaid amount, whether utilities or other charges, can make an account delinquent because it must be paid at the same time as rent.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Planting a vineyard in the Bay Area can cost between $30,000 and $80,000 per acre, but some are choosing to just leave them sit rather than pay to maintain them.
    — John Ramos, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Definition of pay
Verb
  • By smashing together heavy atoms of lead traveling at near-light speeds using the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), scientists can create a high-energy environment that briefly frees gluons and quarks from this atomic bondage, recreating the quark-gluon plasma of the early universe.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Though fumble recoveries are mostly about good fortune, the process of freeing the ball can often be technique-driven.
    — Jesse Newell, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of free

Browse Nearby Words

discerns
discharge
discharged
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Cite this Entry

“Discharge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discharge. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on discharge

Nglish: Translation of discharge for Spanish Speakers

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