implement
Americannoun
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implements
plural
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any article used in some activity, especially an instrument, tool, or utensil.
agricultural implements.
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an article of equipment, as household furniture, clothing, ecclesiastical vestments, or the like.
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a means; agent.
human beings as an implement of divine plan.
verb (used with object)
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implements,
present (3rd person singular)
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implemented,
past participle, past
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implementing
present participle
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to fulfill; perform; carry out.
Once in office, he failed to implement his campaign promises.
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to put into effect according to or by means of a definite plan or procedure.
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Computers. to realize or instantiate (an element in a program), often under certain conditions as specified by the software involved.
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to fill out or supplement.
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to provide with implements.
noun
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a piece of equipment; tool or utensil
gardening implements
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something used to achieve a purpose; agent
verb
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to carry out; put into action; perform
to implement a plan
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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
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implementationnoun
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implementernoun
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implementornoun
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nonimplementnoun
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reimplementverb (used with object)
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implementableadjective
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implementaladjective
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nonimplementaladjective
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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implementsimple
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implementssimple
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have implementedperfect
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has implementedperfect
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am implementingprogressive
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are implementingprogressive
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is implementingprogressive
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have been implementingperfect progressive
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has been implementingperfect progressive
Past
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implementedsimple
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had implementedperfect
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was implementingprogressive
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were implementingprogressive
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had been implementingperfect progressive
Future
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.
Vocabulary lists containing implement
Essential English Vocabulary, List 1
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"A Retrieved Reformation" by O. Henry
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30 GRE Words Beginning with "I"
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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.
See Examples For:
The Overnight Visitor Levy, which was outlined in the King's Speech in May, means a holiday in England could become more expensive if local leaders decide to implement the tax.
From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026
In 2015, the Sheriff’s Department entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice to implement reforms on mental health and use-of-force in its jails.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
Countries must implement policies that encourage informal-sector workers to register with the tax authorities, facilitate access to financing and create infrastructure needed to accommodate small entrepreneurs.
From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026
As “laboratories of democracy,” the 50 states can each implement novel economic and social policies without endangering the entire country if they fail.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026
“Even if they can come up with something, it may take months, even years, before they can implement it,” the scientist replied.
From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Legendary US designer Ralph Lauren on Wednesday kicked off New York Fashion Week with his namesake brand's Spring/Summer 2027 collection, as the industry showcase implements its first full ban on fur on the runway.
From Barron's ● Sep. 10, 2026
With this tool, early humans could create and maintain stone implements that were more carefully shaped and complex than those produced by some other prehistoric populations living during the same period.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 27, 2026
The NAP should be reviewed every four years to ensure the measures it implements are relevant to the current situation.
From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026
This last type of scenario has been a moneymaker for companies such as Frontier.io, which implements augmented-reality software using existing hardware.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
Behind her maids bore a basket full of axeheads, bronze and iron implements for the master’s game.
From "The Odyssey" by Homer
Australia implemented legislation barring children from social media platforms in December, part of a world-first crackdown designed to protect children from online bullying and "predatory algorithms".
From Barron's ● Sep. 7, 2026
They want to see a price cap implemented for up to 50 essential items, such as milk, eggs, cheese and rice.
From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026
Victoria Owen said she had implemented a "don't waste it" rule, encouraging her children to have short showers and re-use the water after washing dishes.
From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026
Talwani previously issued an order blocking the Postal Service changes from being implemented in California and more than 20 other suing states in June.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 4, 2026
It was the same process Washington had developed with his staff as commander in chief of the Continental Army, then implemented with his cabinet as president.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
She outlined the work she’s been doing to run the organization and the plans she is implementing to secure its future.
From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026
To be sure, the president and the executive branch are charged with lawfully implementing congressional directives about the dispersal of appropriated funds.
From Slate ● Sep. 8, 2026
There is, as you have experienced, a gap between the number of personal-finance courses in high schools and the number of people actually implementing those lessons.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 4, 2026
Following the approval, the executive board can start implementing the plan, the company said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026
This was her idea they were talking about implementing.
From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon
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.
