PERFORM Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

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

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties. // achieve greatness

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

perform

verb

pər-ˈfȯrm

Definition of perform

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

as in to act

to have a certain purpose the kidneys perform as a filtering system for the blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to play

to present a portrayal or performance of has always dreamed of performing Hamlet on stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Too many people still viewed the nation’s performing-arts center as an intimidating marble monument for just the elite. — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 Videos of robots running, dancing, and backflipping have been a staple of the Internet for years, but these machines were programmed to perform these very narrow tasks. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2026 Additionally, there aren't enough people to perform the contact tracing needed to get the outbreak under control, according to the doctor. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 30 July 2026 Other highlights were men’s footwear, which performed well across a range of categories, with particular strength in loafers. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for perform

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perform

Verb

Surpass the second apron, and a team loses its ability to execute most types of trades and most kinds of free-agent signings.

— Fred Katz, New York Times, 24 July 2026
From a fringed mullet, to a blonde buzz cut, bobs in various lengths, micro bangs, and even a shade of citrus—Kristen Stewart’s looks are always executed with an edge.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 July 2026

Definition of execute

Verb

This also includes musicians and major music acts partnering with companies and productions, releasing their own products or content, or just coming to perform as talent.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Holmes has served as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), or someone appointed by a judge to act in the best interest of children who’ve experienced abuse or neglect.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026

Definition of act

Verb

The bridge — which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario — was named after legendary Canadian hockey player Gordie Howe who played for the Detroit Red Wings, symbolizing the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
Starling Marte moved over to right field and Isaac Collins came in to play left field.

— Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

Definition of play

Verb

Mellencamp was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, and Thursday’s performance served as a reminder why.

— Jamie Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Rather, each pair should serve a distinct purpose instead of duplicating another one already hanging in the closet.

— Alesandra Dubin, Glamour, 31 July 2026

Definition of serve

Verb

Dakota Johnson and Ellen Burstyn will both portray Marilyn Monroe in a new short film, Flesh Impact, which released its first photos.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026
Elsewhere, Washington is portrayed astride a horse or atop a column; shirtless, in classical garb, or, more commonly, in a long coat and tricorn.

— Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 27 July 2026

Definition of portray

Verb

With a boat launch, any size motors are invited, but must be operated at a slow no-wake speed, according to the park website.

— Zuri Primos July 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
Last year there were 31,142 total students enrolled in the 59 schools operated by the Archdiocese of Miami, which includes Miami-Dade, Monroe and Broward counties.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Definition of operate

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perforce

perform

performance

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“Perform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perform. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of perform

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