execute
Americanverb (used with object)
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to carry out; accomplish.
to execute a plan or order.
- Synonyms:
- finish, consummate, complete, achieve
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to perform or do.
to execute a maneuver;
to execute a gymnastic feat.
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to inflict capital punishment on; put to death according to law.
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to murder; assassinate.
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to produce in accordance with a plan or design.
a painting executed by an unknown artist.
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to perform or play (a piece of music).
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Law.
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to give effect or force to (a law, decree, judicial sentence, etc.).
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to carry out the terms of (a will).
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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.
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Computers. to run (a program or routine) or carry out (an instruction in a program).
verb (used without object)
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to perform or accomplish something, as an assigned task.
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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
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to put (a condemned person) to death; inflict capital punishment upon
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to carry out; complete; perform; do
to execute an order
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to perform; accomplish; effect
to execute a pirouette
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to make or produce
to execute a drawing
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to carry into effect (a judicial sentence, the law, etc); enforce
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law to comply with legal formalities in order to render (a deed, etc) effective, as by signing, sealing, and delivering
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to sign (a will) in the presence of witnesses and in accordance with other legal formalities
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to carry out the terms of (a contract, will, etc)
Synonym Usage
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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reexecuteverb (used with object)
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executernoun
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nonexecutableadjective
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unexecutingadjective
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unexecutableadjective
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preexecuteverb (used with object)
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executableadjective
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outexecuteverb (used with object)
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has executedperfect 3rd person singular
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have executedperfect
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has been executingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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am executingprogressive 1st person singular
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have been executingperfect progressive
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is executingprogressive 3rd person singular
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are executingprogressive
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executessingular 3rd person
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executingparticiple
Past
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had executedperfect
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were executingprogressive plural
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was executingprogressive singular
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had been executingperfect progressive
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executedsimple
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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
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"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney
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The Watsons Go to Birmingham
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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.
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
OpenAI “likely doesn’t offer the same delivery capacity, global footprint, or operational infrastructure required to execute complex multiyear AI programs independently,” writes UBS analyst Kevin McVeigh.
From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026
Some investors weren’t quite sure whether Abel had the chops to execute big deals as Buffett had.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
"As we execute our strategy and deliver maximum long-term value, we look forward to providing shareholders with greater insight into the drivers of our performance and future direction of our business," Grainge said.
From BBC • May 29, 2026
I was given methods and approaches to attack or defend and was told to execute these moves with speed and strength.
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
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.
