PERFORM Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'perform' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of perform are accomplish , achieve , discharge , effect , execute , and fulfill . While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill. // performed gymnastics

Q: When would 'accomplish' be a good substitute for 'perform'?

The meanings of accomplish and perform largely overlap; however, accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out. // accomplished everything they set out to do

Q: How are the words 'achieve' and 'accomplish' related as synonyms of 'perform'?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties. // achieve greatness

Q: Where would 'discharge' be a reasonable alternative to 'perform'?

The words discharge and perform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks. // discharged his duties

Q: How do 'effect' and 'achieve' relate to one another, in the sense of 'perform'?

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

Q: When might 'execute' be a better fit than 'perform'?

The synonyms execute and perform are sometimes interchangeable, but execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent. // executed the hit-and-run

Q: In what contexts can 'fulfill' take the place of 'perform'?

Although the words fulfill and perform have much in common, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities. // fulfilled their ambitions

perform

verb

pər-ˈfȯrm

Definition of perform

as in to execute

to carry through (as a process) to completion she performed the task quickly and expertly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to act

to have a certain purpose the kidneys perform as a filtering system for the blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to play

to present a portrayal or performance of has always dreamed of performing Hamlet on stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to work

to produce a desired effect the new medication performed surprisingly well

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb perform contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of perform are accomplish, achieve, discharge, effect, execute, and fulfill. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

When would accomplish be a good substitute for perform?

The meanings of accomplish and perform largely overlap; however, accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How are the words achieve and accomplish related as synonyms of perform?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

Where would discharge be a reasonable alternative to perform?

The words discharge and perform are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

How do effect and achieve relate to one another, in the sense of perform?

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 perform?

The synonyms execute and perform are sometimes interchangeable, but execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

In what contexts can fulfill take the place of perform?

Although the words fulfill and perform have much in common, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

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 perform Hani Marcus, a consultant neurosurgeon at the hospital and UCL professor, performed the procedure with surgical resident Danyal Khan. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 The Grammy-winning musician, 48, performed with his full band on Wednesday evening at the Stephen Talkhouse in the Hamptons for SiriusXM. — Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Grammy winner Belafonte was about to perform, standing at center stage. — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 However, no additional DNA testing could be performed at the time. — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perform

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perform

Verb

According to the United Nations, executions have surged over the last six months, with at least 56 people executed on national security charges since mid-March — including 27 linked to protests earlier this year.

— Greg Myre, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Code executed during that interruption altered the prediction machinery before the processor could use it.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of execute

Verb

Investments in big-name stars did not pan out, including a seven-year, $245 million deal for Anthony Rendon that had to be restructured and will end after this season, with Rendon playing just 257 games for the franchise and none since 2024.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Rumors have circulated that Stan may be playing Harvey Dent, the district attorney who eventually becomes the villainous Two-Face and was previously portrayed by Aaron Eckhart, Tommy Lee Jones, and Billy Dee Williams.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of play

Verb

That's because the sink and invisible dual-burner induction cooktop are concealed below a sliding top that works just like a bar or table when retracted.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Upon the Lincoln’s arrival in the morning, service members could be seen working aboard the deck as loudspeakers played announcements about the process for disembarkation.

— Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of work

Verb

During the holidays, that could mean repositioning inventory as demand shifts, identifying supplier or transportation delays sooner, or dynamically finding the fastest and most cost-effective way to fulfill an order when conditions change.

— Jill Standish, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Rather than chasing virality and social media hits, Obeid advises restaurants to focus deeper on creating businesses that fulfill a need for the community around them.

— Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of fulfill

Verb

By this reasoning, federal agencies must be allowed to complete rulemaking before judges intervene, and challenges to the order are portrayed as speculative attempts to stop reforms that could be crafted within constitutional limits.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Following his success on M*A*S*H, Alda continued playing a TV doctor on ER in 1999 and six episodes of The Big C, as well as portraying a psychiatrist on Ray Donovan.

— Rachel Flynn, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of portray

Verb

Some help surgeons operate with greater precision, while others disinfect rooms, transport supplies, assist patients during rehabilitation, or provide comfort to people who are distressed.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Eight other reservoirs operated by the Bureau of Reclamation recently recorded the lowest levels in at least the last 30 years.

— Wufei Yu, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of operate

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perforce

perform

performance

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“Perform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perform. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of perform

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