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 The governor had heard reports the cult followed an obscure criminal who had been tortured and executed by the Romans. —John Blake, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025 Montgomery became the first woman since 1953 to be executed by the federal government. —Nicole Acosta, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025 He was executed by lethal injection on June 11, 2001, at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana. —Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 18 Apr. 2025 There was a warrant for his arrest out of Catahoula Parish that was never executed due to the federal prosecution, Burget explained. —Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for execute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for execute
  1. enforce
  2. perform
  3. assassinate
  4. implement
  5. murder
  6. slay
  7. fulfill
  8. kill
Verb
  • The agency is responsible for policy and programs that address the nation’s housing needs and enforce fair housing laws.
    — Julia Mueller, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The bill’s sponsors said it was intended to prevent future mass shootings and enforce the state’s existing prohibition on high-capacity magazines.
    — The Denver Post, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of enforce
Verb
  • But while most saw the moment as a liberating one for women, Horsell saw it as another instance of a female playing top-level sport without the necessary support to perform at her best.
    — Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Those working for the government as special government employees are not paid by the federal government and can continue to collect payment from outside entities while performing their work for the government, which Warren and Stansbury say runs the risk of creating possible conflicts of interest.
    — Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of perform
Verb
  • Routh has since pleaded not guilty to one count of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate and four firearm offenses.
    — Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The health secretary — who was 14 years old when his father was assassinated — has shown an interest in the case for years, doubting the conclusion that Sirhan was responsible for his father's killing.
    — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of assassinate
Verb
  • These sessions provide personalized support to help authors implement strategies, stay accountable, and refine their approach over time.
    — Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The company implemented diversity goals, cleared years of freelancer debt, and committed to becoming carbon-neutral within five years.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of implement
Verb
  • While Abby is determined to carry out their plan to murder Joel, all of her friends want to turn back.
    — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The man who murdered Rachel Morin was convicted by a jury that deliberated for 46 minutes.
    — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of murder
Verb
  • Use logic and math to determine who slays the most orcs and rank them from greatest to least.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • To finally slay that demon and experience it with Elliot.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of slay
Verb
  • However, after making season one, Gilroy and Luna both realized that their initial aim was too ambitious and likely required at least a decade of their lives to fulfill.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The tech executive hired several young engineers aged 19-24 to fulfill his directives at DOGE, which centered on eliminating positions Musk deemed to be unnecessary.
    — Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of fulfill
Verb
  • Renee Moore worked near the building and relied on its daycare for her 6-month-old son Antonio Cooper Jr., who was among those killed.
    — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Overnight Russian drones and missiles targeted multiple Ukraine cities according to officials there, killing at least two people.
    — Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of kill

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 29 Apr. 2025.

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