execute
Americanverb (used with object)
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to carry out; accomplish.
to execute a plan or order.
- Synonyms:
- finish, consummate, complete, achieve
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to perform or do.
to execute a maneuver;
to execute a gymnastic feat.
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to inflict capital punishment on; put to death according to law.
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to murder; assassinate.
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to produce in accordance with a plan or design.
a painting executed by an unknown artist.
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to perform or play (a piece of music).
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Law.
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to give effect or force to (a law, decree, judicial sentence, etc.).
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to carry out the terms of (a will).
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to transact or carry through (a contract, mortgage, etc.) in the manner prescribed by law; complete and give validity to (a legal instrument) by fulfilling the legal requirements, as by signing or sealing.
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Computers. to run (a program or routine) or carry out (an instruction in a program).
verb (used without object)
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to perform or accomplish something, as an assigned task.
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Sports. to perform properly the fundamental moves or mechanics of a sport, game, position, or particular play; show smoothness in necessary skills.
We just didn't execute defensively.
verb
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to put (a condemned person) to death; inflict capital punishment upon
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to carry out; complete; perform; do
to execute an order
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to perform; accomplish; effect
to execute a pirouette
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to make or produce
to execute a drawing
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to carry into effect (a judicial sentence, the law, etc); enforce
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law to comply with legal formalities in order to render (a deed, etc) effective, as by signing, sealing, and delivering
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to sign (a will) in the presence of witnesses and in accordance with other legal formalities
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to carry out the terms of (a contract, will, etc)
Related Words
Other Word Forms
- executable adjective
- executer noun
- nonexecutable adjective
- outexecute verb (used with object)
- preexecute verb (used with object)
- reexecute verb (used with object)
- unexecutable adjective
- unexecuting adjective
Etymology
Origin of execute
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English executen, from Old French executer, from Medieval Latin execūtāre, derivative of Latin execūtus, past participle of ex(s)equī “to follow up, carry out (punishment), execute”; ex- 1, sequence
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.
As Barron’s previously reported, machines of the future may be able to execute something called Shor’s algorithm: a quantum algorithm that can factor large numbers into their prime components.
From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026
Digital trading platform eToro also launched a tool that allowed investors to let an AI agent manage and execute trades in a dedicated portfolio.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
George Hirst worked himself to a standstill, created a few half-chances for himself, but couldn't execute.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
Public, a privately held brokerage firm, is rolling out a feature allowing customers to use AI to automate investing tactics and execute trades.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
It was an impossibly complex and gruesome plan, likely beyond the powers of anyone to execute, but his description is noteworthy for what it revealed, without his intention, about his astigmatic soul.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
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.
