achieve

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb achieve contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of achieve are accomplish, discharge, effect, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

When might accomplish be a better fit than achieve?

While in some cases nearly identical to achieve, accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

In what contexts can discharge take the place of achieve?

The meanings of discharge and achieve largely overlap; however, discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

How are the words effect and achieve related?

Effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles.

effected sweeping reforms

When could execute be used to replace achieve?

The words execute and achieve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When is fulfill a more appropriate choice than achieve?

The synonyms fulfill and achieve are sometimes interchangeable, but fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When would perform be a good substitute for achieve?

In some situations, the words perform and achieve are roughly equivalent. However, perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

Examples 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 achieve Such talk of bipartisanship is nice, only the new law won't help achieve those goals. Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 Ukrainians are ready to work together with Americans to achieve peace, true peace. Tom Soufi Burridge, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2025 Healthy eating is vital to preventing and managing type 2 diabetes, and the Mediterranean diet may help to achieve this. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2025 Ortiz has the physicality, the temperament, and the ability to achieve a grade beyond that of an average starter. Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for achieve 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for achieve
Verb
  • An expansion of options and price range with Zero EVs are unquestionably expensive, and Honda says its new Zero platform will attain 300 miles (482 km) of range in all forms (SUV and Saloon) at a base level.
    Abigail Bassett, Ars Technica, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Individual countries may attain mastery of different pieces, but like-minded states will need to work together to assemble the full puzzle and keep it out of the reach of authoritarian states.
    Charina Chou, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Biden’s aides also deserve credit for working closely with Trump’s team to win a cease-fire in Gaza during the administration’s waning days.
    Andrew Exum, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Another ticket sold in Texas matched four numbers drawn plus the Powerball to win $150,000 with the Power Play multiplier.
    Don Sweeney, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Still, the project gained regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration in May for its drones to fly beyond the visual line of sight.
    Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Try The Whisky Exchange, Cognac Expert, or Master of Malt As consumer interest in authentic, high-quality spirits grows, artisanal cognac producers are gaining recognition.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Parents and school boards have broad discretion to fulfill that important responsibility.
    Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 25 Jan. 2025
  • The bookstore’s popularity has allowed Lewis, who is a longtime practitioner in the field of Afrocentric mental health, to fulfill a dream.
    Tony Perrottet, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The officials will help Trump run the Pentagon as his nominees for top roles make their way through Congressional confirmation.
    Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Such cases bring home the importance of mutually respectful communication when making such requests.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Trenitalia performed well in the booking experience, reliability and traveler experience categories.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Documents state that the city won the federal grant in April 2023, and Sacramento’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development began soliciting environmental consultants to perform the work in September 2024, almost a year and a half later.
    Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Over the course of two decades, Rita executed 169 transfers, averaging $2.5 million per year.
    Sean Keane, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2025
  • It has been widely reported that the President-elect plans to execute as many as 100 executive orders on a wide variety of issues during his first day in office next Monday.
    David Blackmon, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • So what exactly has Trump and his administration done around immigration?
    Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
  • So, if customers won’t directly tell brands what’s wrong, what can those brands do to remedy the situation?
    Tom Lewis, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near achieve

Cite this Entry

“Achieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/achieve. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on achieve

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!