ACHIEVEMENT Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'achievement' differ from other similar words?

The words exploit and feat are common synonyms of achievement . While all three words mean "a remarkable deed," achievement implies hard-won success in the face of difficulty or opposition. // her achievements as a chemist

Q: When can 'exploit' be used instead of 'achievement'?

In some situations, the words exploit and achievement are roughly equivalent. However, exploit suggests an adventurous or heroic act. // his exploits as a spy

Q: When is it sensible to use 'feat' instead of 'achievement'?

The words feat and achievement can be used in similar contexts, but feat implies strength or dexterity or daring. // an acrobatic feat

achievement

noun

ə-ˈchēv-mənt

Definition of achievement

as in success

a successful result brought about by hard work this improvement in your time for a 10K road race is quite an achievement!

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in execution

the doing of an action what you're asking is the achievement of a miracle

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in accomplishment

the state of being actual or complete you should be proud of the achievement of your goals

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun achievement differ from other similar words?

The words exploit and feat are common synonyms of achievement. While all three words mean "a remarkable deed," achievement implies hard-won success in the face of difficulty or opposition.

her achievements as a chemist

When can exploit be used instead of achievement?

In some situations, the words exploit and achievement are roughly equivalent. However, exploit suggests an adventurous or heroic act.

his exploits as a spy

When is it sensible to use feat instead of achievement?

The words feat and achievement can be used in similar contexts, but feat implies strength or dexterity or daring.

an acrobatic feat

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 achievement To date, UConn’s biggest achievement on a national scale was making it to a BCS bowl game in 2011. — Eric Womack, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 Instead of making the achievement their identity, notice what went into it. — Reem Raouda, Contributor, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026 Days of celebration, days of achievement, and days of mourning. — Meghan O'Brien, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026 The evening highlighted the achievements of its students, opening the event with SCM student ensemble the SCM All Stars and an SCM brass band known as the Hollywood Highsteppers. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for achievement

Recent Examples of Synonyms for achievement

Noun

Speculators may play an important role in markets by contributing to liquidity, but success is measured over shorter time horizons and requires sophisticated risk management.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Over the course of 10 years, Vincent created more than 800 paintings and 700 drawings, desperately hoping for financial independence and commercial success.

— Joan Martelli, Time, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of success

Noun

The 911 call recordings, as reported by the Associated Press, showed that first responders and prison officials did not know whether a request for emergency help from within the execution chamber was legitimate.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
Some lawmakers worry broadcasting the execution could inspire more violence.

— Erin Jones, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of execution

Noun

No North American sports franchise can claim such an accomplishment since the Shaq- and Kobe Bryant-led Lakers from 2000 to 2002.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
And yet, in Wembanyama’s eyes — and those of his teammates — those accomplishments amount to little more than a prelude.

— Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of accomplishment

Noun

Amazon Prime Air drones are officially delivering packages across the south suburbs to neighborhoods within their reach from the Amazon fulfillment center in Markham.

— Tara Molina, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
As a result, the fulfilment of contracts to publish my work in the UK could now constitute a serious criminal offense.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of fulfillment

Noun

That realization can be simultaneously motivating and alarming.

— Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
This realization has helped lead to the creation of a bench with life-size statues of 19th century author Robert Louis Stevenson, his wife Fanny Stevenson and their Irish setter cocker spaniel ChuChu.

— Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of realization

Noun

The dashboard, which includes the implementation of recommendations from the independent review, gives the public the ability to track the changes in real-time, Braswell said.

— Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026
Since April 1, brands and retailers have been able to set regenerative sourcing targets through BCI in preparation for the new standard’s full implementation.

— SJ Studio, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of implementation

Noun

What happens when the response to the horror of 9/11 becomes an arena for perpetration of further crimes, rather than the healing of wounds already inflicted?

— Christopher Coffman, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026
Pipkins is charged with kidnapping and first-degree murder in perpetration of a kidnapping.

— KC Baker, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025

Definition of perpetration

Noun

Every component of his equipment was engineered to maximize performance.

— Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
In another sequence, a compact camera rig mounted on a helmet captured Tom Holland’s performance from near his face, with a blurry red shape added in compositing to suggest the inside of his mask.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of performance

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Style

“Achievement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/achievement. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of achievement

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