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

Relevance

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 Sepultura founders Max and Iggor Cavalera will perform the band’s Chaos AD album in full at the show. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 15 Sep. 2025 Beyoncé, 44, performed at the 2024 Christmas Day NFL game's halftime show, where the Houston Texans hosted the Baltimore Ravens. —Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025 Her plays have been widely performed in Sweden as well as internationally. —Sara Stridsberg september 15, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025 However, Google Research says VaultGemma performs similarly to non-private models of a similar size. —Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perform
  1. execute
  2. act
  3. play
  4. work
  5. accomplish
  6. serve
  7. portray
  8. operate
Verb
  • In the clip, the pair execute the moves to the song’s post-chorus, before a bonnet-wearing Colbert pretends to choke on something, causing Gaga to erupt in laughter.
    — Stephen Daw, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The current owners tapped architect Chip Bohl and interior designer Louise Copeland to execute a complete interior renovation and construct the north wing.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of execute
Verb
  • The sound department actually played the music that would overlay the scene as Dockery acted.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • How much has Charlie Sheen earned from acting?
    — Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of act
Verb
  • Fashion and sociology experts say that, when examining the significance of any bold fashion statement such as Robbie's, context plays an important role.
    — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The Yankees played an integral part in the remembrance of 9/11.
    — Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of play
Verb
  • Alfred is arguably the second-best 200-meter runner among the three and will work hard to secure a gold medal at these championships.
    — Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Long said six campus police officers were working the event, including some in plainclothes who were monitoring the crowd.
    — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of work
Verb
  • What else does Crawford have to accomplish in the sport?
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Advertisement All of these are clearly fantastic, laudable accomplishments—yet a laundry list of all the things Redford accomplished in his lifetime isn’t really the best way to honor his gifts.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of accomplish
Verb
  • This includes serving as a sewage station for your body—filtering and detoxing your blood, breaking down old red blood cells and recycling their iron—and a manufacturing plant of sorts—making key proteins and immune system cells, storing vitamins and minerals and processing your nutrients.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • However, according to Federal Aviation Administration regulations, you are not allowed to drink alcohol on board unless it’s served by a flight attendant.
    — Jessie Beck, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of serve
Verb
  • While some Hamas apologists have portrayed the word as benign, its real meaning is undeniably violent — and not just for Israelis.
    — Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Somehow, they’re portrayed as heroic trials of love, requiring sacrifice, trust and resilience.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of portray
Verb
  • But the United States is one of the few countries in the world that operates without an official language.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Following the indictment, the FBI on Wednesday conducted a raid near Augusta, Georgia, arresting leaders after years of allegations that the church operated like a cult and preyed on military communities nationwide.
    — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of operate

Browse Nearby Words

perforce
perform
performance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perform. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on perform

Nglish: Translation of perform for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

A Guide to Using Semicolons

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 3

Color Words to Describe Autumn Leaves

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

12 Words Whose History Will Surprise You
See More

Popular

See More

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 3

Color Words to Describe Autumn Leaves
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
high school student holding a pencil leaning over a sat test
Challenging Standardized Test Words 20 questions to help you score 1600
See All