discharge 1 of 2

noun

ˈdis-ˌchärj How to pronounce discharge (audio)
Definition of dischargenext
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
as in execution
the doing of an action aided in the discharge of his duties by a capable assistant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

discharge

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈchärj How to pronounce discharge (audio)
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
as in to unload
to empty or rid of cargo docks for discharging containerships

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to release
to set free (as from slavery or confinement) discharged the prisoners upon the signing of the peace treaty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to cast
to throw or give off the mighty river discharges its waters into the ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to shoot
to cause a weapon to release a missile with great force felt a strong recoil as the rifle discharged

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7
as in to sack
to let go from office, service, or employment 15 people were discharged when the embezzling ring was discovered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 leadership is reluctant to concede on the proxy voting issue at all, after Freedom Caucus members last week threatened to hold up floor proceedings if Johnson allowed Luna’s discharge petition to come to the floor. —Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 2 Apr. 2025 Luna launched what is called a discharge petition, which can force a vote on any measure without the support of leadership if 218 House members sign on. —Andrew Solender, Axios, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
North Kansas City Hospital confirmed Fells was a patient in the emergency room, and was discharged at 1:04 p.m. on Jan. 5. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025 He was also charged with a municipal ordinance violation for discharging a firearm, while animal cruelty charges are pending, according to the Bergen Record. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discharge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discharge
  1. firing
  2. release
  3. dismissal
  4. execution
  5. fire
  6. unload
  7. pay
  8. free
Noun
  • Ken Russell, who is also running for mayor, was one of the two remaining commissioners to vote against his firing.
    — Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The two decisions represent a significant setback for the states, the unions and the civic organizations that had sued the government in an effort to block the summary firings of more than 24,000 federal workers.
    — Andrea Hsu, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of firing
Noun
  • He was pronounced dead at 6:43 a.m., according to the CDCR news release.
    — Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Adrian Roy Lewis, 34, was arrested Friday on a felony charge of indecent liberties against a student, according to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department news release.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of release
Noun
  • The dismissal of Malone could prove to be a turning point for the Nuggets—either sparking a resurgence or further unraveling their season.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Those challenging the dismissals argued that OPM didn't have the authority to order firings.
    — Christina Gatti, NPR, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of dismissal
Noun
  • In a world where AI handles more of the planning, execution, and reporting, what’s left for humans? McKinsey reports that 38% of companies are already repurposing time saved by AI automation toward entirely new activities.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In Iraq, executions nearly quadrupled over a year, the report said.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of execution
Verb
  • The person calling claimed a friend had fired shots at a Black adult female at 7:05 p.m., and that two suspects were at the location wearing all black.
    — Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Continue reading … 'KNIVES OUT' – Former 'Scream' director left film over death threats after anti-Israel actress firing.
    — FOXNews.com, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of fire
Verb
  • Shipping containers on the MSC Livorno await unloading at the Port of Long Beach, California on March 5, 2025, one day after US President Donald Trump.
    — Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Another 45 minutes later, boxes of staples, MREs, and cases of water were being unloaded and distributed to the community, which had gone without these essentials for eight days.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of unload
Verb
  • At its heart, the trial was about whether college athletes and former college athletes should be paid more than nothing for use of their NIL in video games and other products.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Students have very real fears about paying for college Just to be clear, the Education Department still exists, and cannot be closed without an act of Congress.
    — Anna North, Vox, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of pay
Verb
  • But the original poster disagreed, arguing that the line was in fact freeing.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • One hand is freed just long enough to hold the receiver when making phone calls.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of free

Browse Nearby Words

discerns
discharge
discharged
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Cite this Entry

“Discharge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discharge. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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