implement
Americannoun
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implements
plural
-
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:
In a speech at Davidson College, Logan, who voted on Wednesday to keep rates unchanged, said the Fed needs to implement “at least” two more quarter-point hikes.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 30, 2026
Arey would work to implement campus safety plans, support additional academic advising and career education and more closely “examine spending, contracts, program outcomes and administrative costs to ensure resources reach classrooms and directly support students.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026
Volkswagen backed its full-year guidance but said it must move fast to implement restructuring plans as it faces multiple headwinds.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026
A: Preparing to get your software updated, be prepared to keep it updated, and be prepared to implement patches when they come out.
From Barron's ● Oct. 25, 2026
He remained in the army, helping to implement Reconstruction policies that guaranteed the black vote.
From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly
The logistics company says it expects roughly $25 million in incremental driver-related costs this quarter, as it ramps up hiring, implements sign-on bonuses and institutes pay raises.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026
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
The coach implements tactics based on the positions of players in the hope of giving their team an advantage.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
Rather than serving as a heavy hammer, it functioned as a softer striking tool used to repair and sharpen stone handaxes and other cutting implements after their edges became worn.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 27, 2026
We’re in some sort of large shed; sunlight seeps through the cracks between the warped wooden boards, and there’s a jungle of gardening implements leaning against the walls.
From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir
The bill would also pause advanced AI development until guidelines are implemented while creating a Department of Artificial Intelligence.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2026
While the localised ceasefire on the front line has held since it was implemented last week, fighting has continued elsewhere.
From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2026
They said they recognised the changes the trust has implemented following Eleanor's death, but these had to be "used properly, kept under review and make care safer for other children".
From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026
Sephora said it investigates allegations of gift-card fraud reported to the company and has implemented protective measures including employee training, gift-card limits and guidance on checking balances.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026
However, widespread local mistrust of the regime in Alexandria prevented the new calendar from being wholly implemented.
From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro
They also explored the obstacles to implementing these changes and identified areas where additional research and updated public health policies could help improve outcomes.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2026
Officials are implementing new repayment plans, getting rid of old ones and reportedly preparing to restart debt collection on defaulted student loans.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 30, 2026
It is performing two tasks superbly and simultaneously: the implementing of a naval blockade of Iran and facilitating the export of non-Iran oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026
Google's AI Principles include implementing AI with "human oversight" and aligning with "international law and human rights"
From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026
The agency, created in the wake of the events of September 11, 2001, is in charge of implementing our country's immigration laws.
From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
