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 next

as in to execute

to carry through (as a process) to completion she performed the task quickly and expertly

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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

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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 In March 2022, the band made headlines by performing a one-off show at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium, becoming the first international act to play an Australian stadium after COVID-19 border restrictions were lifted. —

Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 24 Jan. 2026 At first, the ceremony — performed publicly before the entire parish — seems like a hoax. —

Natalia Winkelman, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026 Coincidentally, John and Andy Taylor were also pulling double duty with Duran Duran, who performed on that same Live Aid stage that day. —

David Chiu, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 The Supreme Court unbelievably gave this president immunity from any prosecution while performing the duties of president! —

Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perform

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perform

Verb

Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was summarily executed in the street.

— Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
His death sentence echoes the case of Iranian wrestling champion Navid Afkari, who was executed in September 2020.

— Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Definition of execute

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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 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 31 Jan 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of perform

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