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 Like every year, Coachella will have some surprise appearances and iconic moments like last year when Will Smith performed with J Balvin, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were spotted enjoying Bleachers and Ice Spice’s sets, and No Doubt reuniting. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 4 Apr. 2025 Tina also revealed that the officiant for the event was her minister, Rudy Rasmus, who also performed the ceremony for Tina and Solange. —Emy Lacroix, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Zetterlund performed well enough on the top line, firing two shots on net with a 52.63 Corsi rating at five-on-five. —Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025 Leave a comment View Comments Unwind back to standing, then perform the movement, rotating to the left. —Dana Santas, CNN, 23 Mar. 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
  • Mikal Mahdi, who pleaded guilty to murder for killing a police officer in 2004, is scheduled to be executed April 11.
    — Jeffrey Collins, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The Constitution says that the president, the chief executive, shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.
    — Samantha Riedel, Them., 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of execute
Verb
  • Several senior agency leaders, including the chief human resources officer, acting commissioner and acting general counsel, have resigned or been demoted since January.
    — Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will continue to serve as acting president until the new president is inaugurated.
    — Joyce Lee and Ju-min Park, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of act
Verb
  • Engage Your Senses In a shared office environment, playing loud music or lighting a scented candle is frowned upon.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • While Anderson played for the Marlins against the Cubs at Wrigley Field in April, he was designated for assignment and then released ahead of facing the Sox in Miami.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of play
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Kramer portrays an investigator working on the case.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Lowden would follow in the footsteps of Matthew Macfadyen, Colin Firth, David Rintoul, Peter Cushing and Laurence Olivier, who have all portrayed the iconic literary character Mr. Darcy.
    — Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of portray
Verb
  • Will Leather Goods, which has operated a pop-up location in the Stockyards since November 2024, is converting the space into a permanent store that is expected to open in June of this year.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Vimeo has been operating in the space for some time, offering a suite of tools to help video producers distribute and monetize their content.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of operate
Verb
  • In addition to hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this formula boasts a host of peptides, including ones that function like growth factors and others that work to rapidly relax and smooth expression lines.
    — Emily Orofino, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Since the turn of the century, Congress has increasingly functioned as a quasi-parliament rather than as an independent branch of government — the legislative branch, to be precise.
    — David M. Drucker, Mercury News, 4 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 16 Apr. 2025.

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