discharge 1 of 2

noun

ˈdis-ˌchärj How to pronounce discharge (audio)
Definition of dischargenext
1
as in firing
a directed propelling of a missile by a firearm or artillery piece the thunderous discharge of the cannons

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in release
a freeing from an obligation or responsibility a full discharge from responsibility for the accident

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in dismissal
the termination of the employment of an employee or a work force often temporarily she was resentful over what she felt was a wrongful discharge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in execution
the doing of an action aided in the discharge of his duties by a capable assistant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

discharge

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈchärj How to pronounce discharge (audio)
1
as in to fire
to cause (a projectile) to be driven forward with force Robert Goddard was the first to discharge a rocket containing an instrument package

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to unload
to empty or rid of cargo docks for discharging containerships

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to pay
to give what is owed for discharge a debt in full

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to release
to set free (as from slavery or confinement) discharged the prisoners upon the signing of the peace treaty

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to cast
to throw or give off the mighty river discharges its waters into the ocean

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to shoot
to cause a weapon to release a missile with great force felt a strong recoil as the rifle discharged

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7
as in to sack
to let go from office, service, or employment 15 people were discharged when the embezzling ring was discovered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb discharge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discharge are accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

In what contexts can accomplish take the place of discharge?

The words accomplish and discharge can be used in similar contexts, but accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How do achieve and accomplish relate to one another, in the sense of discharge?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

How are the words effect and achieve related as synonyms of discharge?

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 discharge?

While in some cases nearly identical to discharge, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When would fulfill be a good substitute for discharge?

The words fulfill and discharge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When could perform be used to replace discharge?

While the synonyms perform and discharge are close in meaning, perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

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 discharge
Noun
South Florida’s flu forecast Florida has recently seen high levels of flu, with the percent of ER discharges with a flu diagnosis hitting levels not seen in the past four years, state data show. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2025 While the project is still waiting on a federal discharge permit and several state environmental permits, full-scale digging is scheduled to begin in 2028. —Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
She was released on parole in 2013, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and was discharged from parole in 2015. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025 The other man was charged with a felony for possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, and he was cited for discharging a firearm, the release said. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discharge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discharge
  1. firing
  2. release
  3. dismissal
  4. execution
  5. fire
  6. unload
  7. pay
  8. free
Noun
  • Led by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the firings were not publicly announced, but they were confirmed by Democratic senators and House members, according to the Associated Press.
    — Nicholas Rice, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The abrupt firings have roiled the government and outraged critics who say workers in areas including nuclear security, forest fire prevention and bird flu response have been culled without warning.
    — Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
Definition of firing
Noun
  • So naturally, fans were up in arms after its limited-edition release came to a tragic end.
    — Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Virgin Galactic reported a net loss of $347 million in 2024, compared to a $502 million net loss in 2023, with the improvement primarily driven by lower operating expenses, the company said this week in a quarterly earnings release.
    — Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of release
Noun
  • The Houston Chronicle reported that NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston has informed employees still in their probationary period to prepare for dismissal.
    — Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Danielle Sassoon, Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor, resigned in refusal to carry out the Justice Department’s directive to file the dismissal.
    — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2025
Definition of dismissal
Noun
  • Bless also integrates adaptive verification methods, such as weighted averages for data retrieval and consensus mechanisms for complex tasks, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and seamless execution across a diverse computing network.
    — Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
  • This level of visibility can not only keep you accountable but also reinforce the connection between identity, execution and results.
    — Jim Becker, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of execution
Verb
  • The administration has not provided a comprehensive list of who is subject to the firings, how many are being fired, and which positions specifically are exempt.
    — Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Today's top stories President Trump's administration has fired over 200 FEMA employees, who help local authorities in disasters, as part of federal government cuts.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of fire
Verb
  • Last July, Belk unloaded more than $950 million in debt and gave some lenders more controlling interests in the company.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Campers might consider unloading essentials from those cabinets before deploying the tent – or just deal with the slight inconvenience of having to crouch in through half-open hatches.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of unload
Verb
  • The resort also pays for the catch the fishermen willing to sell them.
    — Emese Maczko, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • That’s the gameplan, and nobody pays better interest than the Lord.
    — Scott Thompson, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of pay
Verb
  • The idea is to free you up to comfortably use the car's infotainment screen, talk to co-passengers, and catch up on books or videos on long journeys and commutes.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2025
  • For teams, this means reducing overlap, prioritizing critical tasks and freeing people to focus on high-impact work—no more second-guessing who does what and when.
    — Ricky Muddimer, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of free

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Cite this Entry

“Discharge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discharge. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

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