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)

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

• 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

County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement that it is “discussing with County Counsel to determine the appropriate path for implementing any lawful authority granted to the Civilian Oversight Commission.”

From Los Angeles Times

District Judge Randolph Moss in Washington issued an injunction barring the administration from implementing or enforcing the president’s May 2025 order.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times

He said the Welsh government should implement a "uniform approach" in schools so young carers, no matter where they are, were supported.

From BBC

It was merged into Bitcoin’s official improvement proposal repository in February, meaning it is now formally under consideration by the developer community but is still far from being implemented.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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