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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Under new CEO Josh D’Amaro, Disney is in active discussions with more than a dozen partners about ways to implement other AI tools, according to a person familiar with the situation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Seama explains, "The underwater location allows us to implement systematic, large-scale surveys."

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

The rules are intended to implement an international agreement known as Basel III, reached after the 2008 financial crisis to ensure banks worldwide maintain adequate buffers.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

He had found another implement, another secret tool, to use for any purpose he needed.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

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