implement 1 of 2

verb

ˈim-plə-ˌment How to pronounce implement (audio)
Definition of implementnext
as in to enforce
to carry out effectively implemented the evacuation plan without a hitch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

implement

2 of 2

noun

ˈim-plə-mənt How to pronounce implement (audio)
as in tool
an article intended for use in work gardening implements such as hoes, spades, and pruners

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word implement different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of implement are appliance, instrument, tool, and utensil. While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements
farm implements

When can appliance be used instead of implement?

The meanings of appliance and implement largely overlap; however, appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

When is it sensible to use instrument instead of implement?

The words instrument and implement can be used in similar contexts, but instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work.

the dentist's instruments

How are the words tool and implement related?

Tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement.

a carpenter's tools

When could utensil be used to replace implement?

Although the words utensil and implement have much in common, utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity.

kitchen utensils

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 implement
Verb
Afterward, the Navajo Nation closed the canyon to visitors for a year and implemented a series of safety measures. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 The company made clear in its statement after the announcement that part of its payout is contingent on YouTube and TikTok implementing similar changes to their services. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
In some cases, archaeologists have also found combat implements buried with ancient Egyptian women. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 July 2026 As well as a comprehensive display about the process of making leather, featuring many vintage implements, the museum offers a demonstration by an expert cutter of the immense skill required to craft a fashionable pair of leather gloves. — James Rampton, TheWeek, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for implement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for implement
  1. enforce
  2. tool
  3. device
Verb
  • In many northern states, the laws being applied in Islamic courts are enforced by Hisbah.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The administration is appealing a June ruling by a lower court that the ban probably violated the troops’ constitutional rights and cannot be enforced against those currently serving while the litigation continues.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of enforce
Noun
  • The New York Times has approved AI tools across its editorial and product teams and built an internal summarization tool called Echo, while barring staff from using AI to draft or substantially revise an article.
    — Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The team hired Moonshot to monitor online threats against its players – using tools that Moonshot developed a decade ago for national security purposes.
    — Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of tool
Noun
  • In complementary work, the POWERlab developed multi-channel GaN devices that spread current across several conduction paths, lowering resistance and reducing overheating.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Emergency workers continued to extinguish fires and identify and neutralize explosive devices at the site in the village of Myla, Zelenskyy added.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of device

Browse Nearby Words

implausibly
implement
implementation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Implement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/implement. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

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

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

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

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
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
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All