perform

verb

pər-ˈfȯrm How to pronounce perform (audio)
Definition of performnext
1
as in to execute
to carry through (as a process) to completion she performed the task quickly and expertly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to act
to have a certain purpose the kidneys perform as a filtering system for the blood

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to play
to present a portrayal or performance of has always dreamed of performing Hamlet on stage

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
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 But how does the company perform on financial and operational metrics? —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 Then, Tems performed at the FIFA World Cup in a red and gold makeup look. —Essence, 21 July 2025 Coldplay was performing at a concert in Foxborough, Mass., on July 16 when the Jumbotron cut to Byron and Cabot cuddling in the crowd. —Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 21 July 2025 Chris Martin of Coldplay performs at Rogers Stadium on July 07, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for perform
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perform
  1. execute
  2. act
  3. play
  4. work
  5. serve
  6. portray
  7. operate
  8. function
Verb
  • The food and cocktails are creative, expertly executed, and made with care.
    — Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2025
  • Execution of warrant against AT&T Of the three carriers, AT&T was the first provider for which a search warrant was both granted and executed.
    — Ramal Nasim, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
Definition of execute
Verb
  • Notable Music acts: Big Boi, The Beatbox Collective, The Black Keys.
    — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
  • Rinke, the least-Trumpy candidate in the 2022 GOP gubernatorial primary, has been acting like a nominee-in-waiting ever since.
    — M.L. Elrick, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of act
Verb
  • Malakian explains the role Ozzfest played in elevating System of a Down’s profile.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2025
  • Cash, 47, played for Francona when the Reds manager helmed the Boston Red Sox and then served as Francona’s bullpen coach in Cleveland before becoming the Rays’ manager.
    — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 26 July 2025
Definition of play
Verb
  • This technique works especially well when readers are swimming in too many possibilities.
    — Renae Gregoire, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Specifically, Roblox has launched a License Manager that allows partners to work with eligible developers.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Definition of work
Verb
  • Many of the rooms surround the secret garden, where a memorable breakfast is served to guests each morning under the fragrant shade of orange and lemon trees.
    — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is serving as legal adviser to Deltatre, and New Deal Advisors SpA is acting as financial adviser.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 July 2025
Definition of serve
Verb
  • AnnaSophia Robb portrayed Violet Beauregarde, the bubble-gum obsessed child who finds a Golden Ticket and is ultimately turned into a blueberry.
    — Jordana Comiter, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • When not painting biblical scenes and images of saints, these artists were portraying the rich and powerful.
    — Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of portray
Verb
  • SpaceX was also famously involved in funding and operating the headline-grabbing Polaris Dawn crewed commercial mission in September 2024.
    — Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
  • At the Port of Detroit, U.S. Customs and Border Protection removed crew members from at least two cruise ships operating in the Great Lakes earlier this month, USA TODAY reports.
    — Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of operate
Verb
  • The rope wraps around the pool, functioning as the compression strap did.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 July 2025
  • The board has not been able to function since January, when Trump fired the remaining Democratic member, leaving it without a quorum.
    — Miriam Waldvogel, The Hill, 20 July 2025
Definition of function

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performance
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Cite this Entry

“Perform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perform. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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