discharge 1 of 2

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

discharge

2 of 2

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5
6
as in to shoot
to cause a weapon to release a missile with great force felt a strong recoil as the rifle discharged

Synonyms & Similar Words

7

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
But this week, researchers described a lithium-sulfur battery that still has over 80 percent of its original capacity after 25,000 charge/discharge cycles. Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025 No other defendant in the cases examined received an unconditional discharge. Kate Christobek, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
However, once Lamar had been discharged from the hospital and was on the road to recovery, the two formalized their split in December 2016. Charna Flam, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025 This process essentially discharges the battery without allowing the electrons to be put to use. Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for discharge 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discharge
Noun
  • Durbin previously criticized Trump for the firings.
    Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Jan. 2025
  • And celebrating the firings of hard-working Americans on cable news shows, social media platforms, and in conservative policymaking venues is cruel.
    Shaun Harper, TIME, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • June 2, 2014: Chris Brown is granted early release from jail Los Angeles Times reported that Brown was released early from jail.
    Alex Heigl, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The same new Starr release, which straddles the line between Americana and country—according to the Official Charts Company, the U.K.’s Billboard equivalent—also brings him back to the main roster of the most popular albums in the country for the first time in just under half a decade.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Saints went on a seven-game losing streak after that hot start which led to the eventual dismissal of Saints head coach Dennis Allen.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Spared in this round of dismissals, however, was Michael Horowitz, the longtime Justice Department inspector general who has issued reports on assorted politically explosive criminal investigations over the last decade.
    Zeke Miller, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Biden converted their death sentences to life imprisonment, consistent with his administration’s moratorium on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and mass shootings.
    Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 28 Jan. 2025
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom placed a hold on executions in 2019.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Speaking to the media at his introductory press conference as the Atlanta Falcons' new defensive coordinator, Ulbrich was asked to reflect on his period with the Jets after taking over as head coach once Robert Saleh was fired just five games into the season.
    Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 28 Jan. 2025
  • The departments that saw their inspector general fired include the Defense Department, State Department, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Labor.
    Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Imagine adding a talent like Sasaki without having to use a first-round draft pick, or having to unload five prospects to acquire him in a trade, or having to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to sign him as a free agent.
    Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Manning was unloading his gear with his mother around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 16 when his six-month old Great Dane puppy, Muffin, ran into the road at their Slidell, La., home.
    Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Eventually, the cumulative toll of Russia’s war economy will need to be paid.
    Alexandra Prokopenko, Foreign Affairs, 21 Jan. 2025
  • In Miami-Dade County, assuming a minimum of $225 per citation, the more than 145,000 citations issued this school year would yield more than $32.6 million if all were paid.
    Carlos Suarez, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Israel then waged a war that killed tens of thousands of Palestinians without so far accomplishing its goals of completely dismantling Hamas or of freeing all the hostages.
    Nicholas Kristof, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
  • After Carter was freed, a man who'd taken the then-12 year old under his wing tried to help the boy reunite with his mother.
    Amber Hunt, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near discharge

Cite this Entry

“Discharge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discharge. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

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