execute
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to carry out; accomplish.
to execute a plan or order.
- Synonyms:
- finish, consummate, complete, achieve
-
to perform or do.
to execute a maneuver;
to execute a gymnastic feat.
-
to inflict capital punishment on; put to death according to law.
-
to murder; assassinate.
-
to produce in accordance with a plan or design.
a painting executed by an unknown artist.
-
to perform or play (a piece of music).
-
Law.
-
to give effect or force to (a law, decree, judicial sentence, etc.).
-
to carry out the terms of (a will).
-
to transact or carry through (a contract, mortgage, etc.) in the manner prescribed by law; complete and give validity to (a legal instrument) by fulfilling the legal requirements, as by signing or sealing.
-
-
Computers. to run (a program or routine) or carry out (an instruction in a program).
verb (used without object)
-
to perform or accomplish something, as an assigned task.
-
Sports. to perform properly the fundamental moves or mechanics of a sport, game, position, or particular play; show smoothness in necessary skills.
We just didn't execute defensively.
verb
-
to put (a condemned person) to death; inflict capital punishment upon
-
to carry out; complete; perform; do
to execute an order
-
to perform; accomplish; effect
to execute a pirouette
-
to make or produce
to execute a drawing
-
to carry into effect (a judicial sentence, the law, etc); enforce
-
law to comply with legal formalities in order to render (a deed, etc) effective, as by signing, sealing, and delivering
-
to sign (a will) in the presence of witnesses and in accordance with other legal formalities
-
to carry out the terms of (a contract, will, etc)
Synonym Usage
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
preexecuteverb (used with object)
-
unexecutableadjective
-
executableadjective
-
outexecuteverb (used with object)
-
reexecuteverb (used with object)
-
nonexecutableadjective
-
executernoun
-
unexecutingadjective
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have executedperfect
-
has executedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have been executingperfect progressive
-
am executingprogressive 1st person singular
-
has been executingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
is executingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
executessingular 3rd person
-
are executingprogressive
-
executingparticiple
Past
-
had executedperfect
-
was executingprogressive singular
-
were executingprogressive plural
-
had been executingperfect progressive
-
executedsimple
-
executedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of execute
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English executen, from Old French executer, from Medieval Latin execūtāre, derivative of Latin execūtus, past participle of ex(s)equī “to follow up, carry out (punishment), execute”; see ex- 1, sequence
Explanation
To execute means to carry out in full or perform. If you execute all the difficult steps of the dance perfectly, you will make your instructor proud. Here’s what’s tricky about execute: the first thing you think of is being punished with death for criminal actions. Actually, it's more commonly used in the sense of “to carry out in full.” So don't be alarmed with visions of the hooded guy at the guillotine when someone congratulates you on a plan well executed. Think of the word executive to get a closer grasp of both the meaning and the context.
Vocabulary lists containing execute
The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 4
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Watsons Go to Birmingham
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Todaro is confident the company can continue to source new sites and execute new leases to expand that pipeline even further.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
With Apple, he adds, “your data is only used to execute your request, and outside experts can continue to verify this promise at any time.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
That will present another opportunity for the Sparks to work on their schemes and be rewarded if they can execute.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
Fonseca knew Djokovic was waning physically on another hot Paris evening, showing the composure to play the right shots at the right times - and execute them - to inflict serious damage.
From BBC • May 29, 2026
“Nothing much could be preserved underwater,” they declared, adding that “it’s not possible to execute proper archaeological plans underwater.”
From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
