execute

verb

ˈek-si-ˌkyüt How to pronounce execute (audio)
Definition of executenext
1
as in to enforce
to carry out effectively the agency charged with executing the nation's drug laws

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to perform
to carry through (as a process) to completion when you execute this dance step, try to keep your arms a little higher

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to assassinate
to put to death deliberately during the war those convicted of desertion were summarily executed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb execute contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of execute are accomplish, achieve, discharge, effect, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When is it sensible to use accomplish instead of execute?

While in some cases nearly identical to execute, 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 execute?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

When is discharge a more appropriate choice than execute?

The words discharge and execute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

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

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

effected sweeping reforms

In what contexts can fulfill take the place of execute?

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

fulfilled their ambitions

When might perform be a better fit than execute?

While the synonyms perform and execute 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 execute Prowell has a criminal history and is on probation for a string of burglaries executed between 2019 and 2021 in LA and Beverly Hills. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025 Authorities subsequently executed a search warrant at Frattalone’s nearby home in Wayzata and allegedly located the bag in his bedroom, but were unable to recover the Rolex watch. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Can the kids execute it better? —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025 Celebrities and artists alike worked with their stylists to execute striking moments, but there were a few looks that felt off-kilter. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for execute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for execute
  1. enforce
  2. perform
  3. assassinate
  4. implement
  5. accomplish
  6. murder
  7. slay
  8. fulfill
Verb
  • In September, a federal judge prevented Utah from enforcing them.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025
  • In Kansas City, the city’s health department enforces the food code while in Kansas, the state’s Department of Agriculture handles inspections.
    — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of enforce
Verb
  • This is when your liver is so scarred up that there’s barely enough normal tissue to perform the routine functions of the liver.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Scientists performed dental exams and took blood samples — participants also filled out dietary questionnaires.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of perform
Verb
  • The gun authorities say was used to assassinate Charlie Kirk was a Mauser 98, a common bolt-action rifle typically used for hunting.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative figure, was assassinated on Wednesday while speaking at a college campus in Utah.
    — Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Definition of assassinate
Verb
  • She has been hailed for her deep understanding of local government and ability to reach across the aisle to implement her agenda.
    — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Paramount last week made the eye-opening decision to implement a five-days-a-week mandate, following in the mold of tech giants like Amazon, which have cited productivity advantages from workers collaborating in person.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of implement
Verb
  • With how the rotation was used in Week 1, neither goal was accomplished.
    — Mike Kaye September 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • And yet in restructuring Patagonia to ensure that its profits are used to protect wild lands, Chouinard accomplished something remarkable, turning a for-profit corporation with $1 billion in annual sales into one of the biggest environmental philanthropies in the country.
    — David Gelles, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of accomplish
Verb
  • The Netflix drama follows a British family as their 13-year-old son Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is accused and arrested for murdering a teenage girl in his class.
    — Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Overall crime hit a 25-year low, and murder a six-year low, police said.
    — Hanna Park, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of murder
Verb
  • Ashlee Simpson slayed in an all-black look featuring a cutout top and frayed asymmetrical hem.
    — Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Through tears, the father of slain Nasir Delaney-Rowland shared a statement in court that his son was one of a kind.
    — Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Definition of slay
Verb
  • Liberation from time and pruning through mass dishwasher ownership is a dream that remainsonly partly fulfilled.
    — Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Half of Walmart’s online orders are fulfilled from stores, with the rest coming from Walmart warehouses and seller warehouses.
    — Dan Gingiss, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of fulfill

Browse Nearby Words

execs
execute
executed
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Cite this Entry

“Execute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/execute. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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