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.

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verb (used with object)

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

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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

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

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

Example Sentences

“Similar to other major carriers, when costs remain elevated, we implement temporary surcharges on our fulfillment fees to recover a portion of the actual cost increases we are experiencing,” Amazon said in the announcement Thursday.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

How one could assemble a political coalition to implement them was the mystery.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

She plans to implement some of the lessons from that game against Texas.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Slovenia has become the first EU member state to implement fuel rationing.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

He didn’t feel like surprising her when she was armed with a sharp gardening implement.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

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