perform

verb

pər-ˈfȯrm How to pronounce perform (audio)
Definition of performnext
1
as in to execute
to carry through (as a process) to completion she performed the task quickly and expertly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to act
to have a certain purpose the kidneys perform as a filtering system for the blood

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to play
to present a portrayal or performance of has always dreamed of performing Hamlet on stage

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to work
to produce a desired effect the new medication performed surprisingly well

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb perform contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of perform are accomplish, achieve, discharge, effect, execute, and fulfill. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

When would accomplish be a good substitute for perform?

The meanings of accomplish and perform largely overlap; however, accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How are the words achieve and accomplish related as synonyms of perform?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

Where would discharge be a reasonable alternative to perform?

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

discharged his duties

How do effect and achieve relate to one another, in the sense of perform?

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 perform?

The synonyms execute and perform are sometimes interchangeable, but execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

In what contexts can fulfill take the place of perform?

Although the words fulfill and perform have much in common, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

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 perform But this year, the original cast members of Hamilton are not throwing away their shot to perform at Broadway’s biggest night. —Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 3 June 2025 This has forced the library system to pay a contractor $1,500 per month to power-wash the area outside the branch twice a week during the morning hours after previously relying on in-house personnel to perform the task. —Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 23 May 2025 The subjects could only perform those tasks while wearing the special contact lenses. —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025 What companies will actually perform the work to mine the seafloor? —Victor Vescovo, Time, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for perform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perform
  1. execute
  2. act
  3. play
  4. work
  5. serve
  6. portray
  7. operate
  8. function
Verb
  • But Apple has yet to execute on that potential with AI, and the clock is ticking.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
  • Trump’s order comes amid continued clashes between demonstrators and federal agents executing immigration enforcement actions in L.A., which have led to more than 100 arrests.
    — Dan Mangan,Erin Doherty, CNBC, 8 June 2025
Definition of execute
Verb
  • Expansion process As Daly noted in a Q&A with The Athletic two weeks ago, the league doesn’t anticipate opening a traditional expansion process as much as continuing to listen to interested parties and perhaps acting on it from there at some point in time.
    — Pierre LeBrun, New York Times, 5 June 2025
  • His other acting credits include the Fargo series, the limited series The Offer and the Life in Pieces series.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025
Definition of act
Verb
  • Sarah Snook, who played Shiv Roy on that HBO drama, was nominated (and went on to win!), following in the footsteps of her costars Jeremy Strong and Keiran Culkin.
    — Melissa Locker, Time, 9 June 2025
  • When Pachuca plays either one, the matches are considered derbies.
    — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 8 June 2025
Definition of play
Verb
  • The President of the United States works under the Constitution.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2025
  • McCarthy worked with former tour mate Depeche Mode’s Alan Wilder on the side project Recoil, and collaborated with techno producer Terence Fixmer.
    — August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Definition of work
Verb
  • Coach also served as the designer behind Reid’s 2024 Met Gala look.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 June 2025
  • The state’s current governor, Democrat Phil Murphy, can't run again after serving two terms.
    — Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 10 June 2025
Definition of serve
Verb
  • There had been speculative casting information about a new Season 3 series regular role of a sea captain in his 20s that could be who Richardson will portray.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 June 2025
  • Call Me Izzy, written by Jamie Wax, opens June 12, and sees Smart portray the title character, a woman who lives in rural Louisiana and yearns to write, but is held back by her husband.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025
Definition of portray
Verb
  • Signet also operates Banter by Piercing Pagoda, Diamonds Direct, Blue Nile, JamesAllen.com, Rocksbox, Peoples Jewellers, H. Samuel and Ernest Jones.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 3 June 2025
  • For years, sales teams have operated under intense pressure to hit growth targets.
    — Sean Brophy, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Definition of operate
Verb
  • The goal is to implant a functioning valve for the first time in her life.
    — Jordan Greene, People.com, 4 June 2025
  • His win is the sign of a functioning democracy and a refutation of authoritarianism.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 4 June 2025
Definition of function

Browse Nearby Words

perforce
perform
performance
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Cite this Entry

“Perform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perform. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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