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

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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 Those working for the government as special government employees are not paid by the federal government and can continue to collect payment from outside entities while performing their work for the government, which Warren and Stansbury say runs the risk of creating possible conflicts of interest. —Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025 The Bannock County Coroner is expected to perform an autopsy. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 14 Apr. 2025 The agreement would enable Doral police officers to perform limited immigration functions, including questioning, detaining and processing individuals suspected of violating immigration laws. —Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025 According to the family’s lawsuit, no medical or mental-health intake was performed at the jail, and McLemore, who was held in a windowless cell, began to fear food and water. —Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 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 startup said the tool can interpret what’s on a computer screen, select buttons, enter text, navigate websites and execute tasks through any software and real-time internet browsing.
    — Annie Palmer,Hayden Field, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025
  • His lawyers claimed that executing him would violate the Eighth Amendment, which protects against forms of cruel and unusual punishment.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of execute
Verb
  • Teaching candidates who go through a four-year degree program or a high-quality alternative certification program spend many hours in classrooms watching effective teachers working with students and acting as student teachers themselves.
    — Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Just because a woman may act differently than some may expect does not mean her actions are open for debate.
    — Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of act
Verb
  • Whitaker is played by Gerran Howell, who carried the title role on the CBBC's Young Dracula (2006–2014) before appearing on NBC's Emerald City (2017) and Hulu's adaptation of Joseph Heller's Catch-22 (2019).
    — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • He's surrounded by a charming and intense stable of doctors, nurses, EMTs, and patients played by Tracy Ifeachor, Shawn Hatosy, Supriya Ganesh, Patrick Ball, Fiona Dourif, and Taylor Dearden.
    — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of play
Verb
  • By then, Reggie was 31, had graduated college and was working for a pharmaceutical company near San Antonio.
    — Paul LaRosa, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Tan was most recently president of Loewe Asia, and has worked for a host of European luxury brands out of Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of work
Verb
  • Parks also served as a campaign reporter for the network during the 2016 election cycle and was the first network reporter assigned to cover U.S Senator Bernie Sanders' bid for the White House.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • In fact, her personal hatred of gripping challenges even served as her Survivor hot take below.
    — Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of serve
Verb
  • In the 1998 classic — which saw Lindsay Lohan in her film debut — Quaid portrayed vineyard owner Nick Parker, the father of twins Hallie and Annie (both Lohan), who convince him to reunite with their mother Elizabeth (played by Natasha Richardson).
    — Brendan Le, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The Oscar winner portrays a former president leading an investigation in the aftermath of a deadly national cyber attack.
    — Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of portray
Verb
  • The district would have the authority to plan, purchase, build and operate the facilities to provide water for domestic, municipal and commercial use.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Sam’s Club Grapevine Concept Sam’s Club is a $90 billion division of Walmart Inc. and operates currently from 600 clubs across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
    — Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of operate
Verb
  • Does this sound like a functioning democracy to you?
    — Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The company’s website indicates his business opened in 2017 and has grown from manufacturing meads to functioning as a distillery and vendor for popular Renaissance fairs throughout the state.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of function

Browse Nearby Words

perforce
perform
performance
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Cite this Entry

“Perform.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perform. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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