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 The demonstration took place at CEATEC 2026 in Japan, showcasing technology that could let people perform physical work remotely. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, Swedish streamer and content creator Marlon Lundgren Garcia was London Fashion Week’s top-performing talent, accumulating $1 million in EMV for Burberry and H&M combined. — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026 The surgery, performed at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, involved removing the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung, according to a statement by Leo's doctors released by the church. — Scott Detrow, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026 Lomu came in following Campbell's injury and performed well against the Raiders. — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perform

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perform

Verb

Classical computers can efficiently execute this method, but translating it into quantum circuits creates a major storage problem.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
There's no one character who came up with the idea and executed it … the existence of AI today comes down to many papers, many individual discoveries, and a whole lot of obsession.

— Cooper Katz McKim, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of execute

Verb

The American Civil Liberties Union sued in February, alleging officers hurled racial epithets, acted violently, and largely withheld food, water, bathrooms and medical care.

— Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026
Documents detailing meetings in April and August between the government, the WHO and other health partners, reviewed by Reuters and not previously reported, show how efforts to act fast may have led to shortcomings.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of act

Verb

Footwear also took a distinctly feminine direction this season, with embellishment playing a major role.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
This was apparent recently when a judge in Louisiana ruled that players who signed NFL contracts over the summer could return to play their fifth college season at LSU.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of play

Verb

Employee working with open food not wearing effective hair restraint.

— NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
But while critics on the Israeli right railed against the deal, Netanyahu’s deputies worked behind the scenes to preserve it, according to correspondence obtained by TIME.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of work

Verb

While eliminating progressive programs, Walls said the state should fulfill its obligation to fully and equally fund all public schools.

— Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
The perfecting statement and requested cure The notice must explicitly state that it is served to fulfill the procedural prerequisite for pursuing the statutory civil remedy.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of fulfill

Verb

The outcome threatens to end the career of Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
Dilraba Dilmurat plays the team’s star striker, while Lay Zhang serves as its kung fu mentor, helping the players combine martial arts mastery with soccer skills to overcome formidable opponents and setbacks on and off the field.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of serve

Verb

Rogers has increasingly portrayed El-Sayed as an extremist and a threat to Jewish voters as the Republican tries to win over a traditionally Democratic constituency.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Landon starred as the Ingalls family patriarch, Charles, Karen Grassle played his wife, Caroline, and Gilbert portrayed their daughter, Laura.

— Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of portray

Verb

The integration could help American troops operate uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) when adversaries attempt to disrupt battlefield communications.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
The team’s last-second win over the Philadelphia Eagles last week in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was organized and operated by the NFL, part of the league’s more standard rotation of all teams playing overseas.

— Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of perform

verb

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