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 Most zinnias perform better in nutrient-rich soil, so place them several feet away from your corn. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 May 2025 Wineries and craft beverage producers will offer tastings, artisans will display and sell their products, and musicians will perform in three areas throughout the day. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025 The higher the jump, the shorter the time the diver has to perform the roll back and kick. —Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 22 May 2025 Irsay was a musician himself, as the lead vocalist and frontman of the Jim Irsay Band, which performed shows across the country with guest performers including John Mellencamp and Ann Wilson. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 22 May 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 bride clarified that each idea only took about a minute to execute if not less time.
    — Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • The Syrian government even returned the belongings of the Israeli spy Eli Cohen, who was executed in Damascus in 1965 after his espionage was discovered, in a goodwill gesture.
    — Natasha Hall, Foreign Affairs, 27 May 2025
Definition of execute
Verb
  • These tools act as governance sentinels, standing guard at the frontier of change.
    — Shazia Manus, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Skarsgård has been acting since 1968, and in that time has seen the industry reshape itself around streaming, franchises, and finance.
    — Andy Hazel, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
Definition of act
Verb
  • Baty plays second base on days when Vientos starts at the hot corner, and Vientos gets DH days to get Baty at third.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
  • Both Earps and Hampton have played a very similar number of minutes and faced a very similar number of shots, but Earps’ shot-stopping has not been as strong, conceding 1.6 goals more than expected, based on the quality of shots faced.
    — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Definition of play
Verb
  • The data doesn't lie: vaccines work, including against COVID-19.
    — Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 May 2025
  • His mother worked as a doctor in China, and juggled three jobs in the U.S. for over a decade, saving up enough to eventually open a medical clinic.
    — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 31 May 2025
Definition of work
Verb
  • The sales tax measure would be limited to areas served by MTS, so North County communities would be excluded because they are served by the North County Transit District.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
  • After the crime While serving her sentence, Maje became pregnant by another inmate.
    — Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 30 May 2025
Definition of serve
Verb
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories Tony Martinez as Pepino Garcia Tony Martinez portrayed Pepino, the McCoys’ farmhand who often served as comic relief.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 31 May 2025
  • According to Salvador, Maje portrayed herself as a victim of psychological and physical abuse.
    — Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 30 May 2025
Definition of portray
Verb
  • Law enforcement doesn’t operate this way, according to the sheriff’s office.
    — Wayne Ford, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • That seems to me like a very aggressive timeline, but with multiple countries now operating hypersonic missiles, there is a real sense of urgency.
    — Iain Boyd, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
Definition of operate
Verb
  • Minnesota can’t function offensive with Rudy Gobert on the floor.
    — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 May 2025
  • Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus Hair Dryer Take your hair from damp to dazzling with this Revlon hair dryer that also functions as a round brush.
    — Laura Lu, Parents, 23 May 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 4 Jun. 2025.

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