perpetrate

verb

ˈpər-pə-ˌtrāt How to pronounce perpetrate (audio)
Definition of perpetratenext
as in to perform
to carry through (as a process) to completion the anonymity of the Web allows pranksters to perpetrate their hoaxes with impunity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 perpetrate Its point was not that evil is banal, but rather that those who perpetrate it are. — Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026 After undergoing examinations for her physical safety, the young woman was arrested on accusations of perpetrating crime against public health, per El Mundo. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026 Flanagan isn’t quite happy with the bucket drop, perpetrated by Carrie’s chief bully Chris Hargensen (Alison Thornton). — Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026 Be aware that the caller herself may not perpetrate the scam. — Abigail Van Buren, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perpetrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perpetrate
  1. perform
  2. accomplish
  3. execute
  4. fulfill
  5. achieve
  6. do
  7. make
  8. implement
Verb
  • Padma Khanna and other doubles performed some of the dances instead of Kumari, which made the continuity puzzle harder.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • And warming temperatures are hindering their ability to perform essential functions.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of perform
Verb
  • Others are skeptical the task force can accomplish much in such a short time period, arguing that eventually sweeping new legislation will be needed to regulate AI.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • In theory, these devices could accomplish tasks of great complexity.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of accomplish
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
  • 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 problem, Snegovaya said, is that achieving military autonomy for Europe and Ukraine is extremely difficult in the short term, and Europe has been slow to develop the necessary capabilities.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, second-unit director Peter Ramsey worked alongside stunt performers, with some creature interactions achieved through surprisingly simple physical stand-ins.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of achieve
Verb
  • PhotoTat can have additional practical applications, including for medical tattoos like those done on cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 19 Oct. 2026
  • OpenAI has reportedly floated the idea of giving the government up to a 5% stake in the company and suggested other leading AI companies do the same.
    — Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of do
Verb
  • The producer made some pointed observations about the state of independent cinema.
    — Lise Pedersen, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The acquisition of 100 percent of ZO Skin Health will be made in an all-cash transaction and funded through cash reserves and bank financing.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of make
Verb
  • Considerations like demonstrated student need, existing student health and a school’s capacity to implement and sustain the program will influence the decision.
    — Natalie La Roche Pietri, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
  • But little progress has been made towards implementing a deal to end the conflict that includes terms for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw its troops.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of implement

Browse Nearby Words

perpends
perpetrate
perpetrated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of compunction

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

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

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

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

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
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?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All