implement

American  

[im-pluh-muhnt, im-pluh-ment, -muhnt] / ˈɪm plə mənt, ˈɪm pləˌmɛnt, -mənt /

noun

1. any article used in some activity, especially an instrument, tool, or utensil.

   agricultural implements.

2. an article of equipment, as household furniture, clothing, ecclesiastical vestments, or the like.

3. a means; agent.

   human beings as an implement of divine plan.

---

verb (used with object)

implements, present (3rd person singular) implemented, past participle, past implementing present participle

1. to fulfill; perform; carry out.

   Once in office, he failed to implement his campaign promises.

2. to put into effect according to or by means of a definite plan or procedure.

3. Computers. to realize or instantiate (an element in a program), often under certain conditions as specified by the software involved.

4. to fill out or supplement.

5. to provide with implements.

implement British  

noun

1. a piece of equipment; tool or utensil

   gardening implements

2. something used to achieve a purpose; agent

---

verb

1. to carry out; put into action; perform

   to implement a plan

2. archaic to complete, satisfy, or fulfil

Usage

What are other ways to say implement? The word implement broadly refers to any article used in some activity. When should you use this noun over tool, instrument, or utensil? Learn more on Thesaurus.com. 

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• implementable
  adjective
• nonimplemental
  adjective
• nonimplement
  noun
• reimplement
  verb (used with object)
• implementor
  noun
• implementation
  noun
• implementer
  noun
• implemental
  adjective

Conjugated Forms

Present

• have implemented
  perfect
• has implemented
  perfect 3rd person singular
• has been implementing
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• am implementing
  progressive 1st person singular
• have been implementing
  perfect progressive
• is implementing
  progressive 3rd person singular
• implements
  singular 3rd person
• are implementing
  progressive
• implementing
  participle

Past

• had implemented
  perfect
• were implementing
  progressive plural
• had been implementing
  perfect progressive
• implemented
  simple
• was implementing
  progressive singular
• implemented
  participle

Future

• will implement
  simple
• will have implemented
  perfect
• will be implementing
  progressive
• will have been implementing
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of implement

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Late Latin implēmentum “a filling up,” equivalent to Latin implē(re) “to fill up” ( im- im- ¹ + plēre “to fill” ) + -mentum -ment

Explanation

Apply the noun implement when you want to use a fancy word for "tool." A knife and fork are implements for handling food. The noun implement is a very useful word for just about anything you want to describe as a tool or a thing that helps you do something. An implement can be as simple as chimpanzees using a stick to eat ants with or a bulldozer that moves huge amounts of earth in building. The word relates to something that "fills up" a house, as in all sorts of things that allow a house to work properly.

Example Sentences

But if past is prologue, the courts won’t willingly implement reform.

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026

Gray said bail conditions were under "constant review" but added it was ultimately up to individual courts to implement them.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican, sent a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that same day asking him to “investigate” any counties seeking to implement moratoriums and “explore any necessary legal actions.”

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

As companies begin to implement AI, it’s important that workers of all ages learn these tools and adapt — whether they’re just starting their careers or nearing retirement.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

This does not mean you should implement every last suggestion they offer.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

• achieve
• carry out
• complete
• enforce
• realize
• resolve