discharge 1 of 2

1
as in firing
a directed propelling of a missile by a firearm or artillery piece the thunderous discharge of the cannons

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in release
a freeing from an obligation or responsibility a full discharge from responsibility for the accident

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in dismissal
the termination of the employment of an employee or a work force often temporarily she was resentful over what she felt was a wrongful discharge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

discharge

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to fire
to cause (a projectile) to be driven forward with force Robert Goddard was the first to discharge a rocket containing an instrument package

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in to pay
to give what is owed for discharge a debt in full

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5
6
as in to shoot
to cause a weapon to release a missile with great force felt a strong recoil as the rifle discharged

Synonyms & Similar Words

7

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb discharge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discharge are accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

In what contexts can accomplish take the place of discharge?

The words accomplish and discharge can be used in similar contexts, but accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How do achieve and accomplish relate to one another, in the sense of discharge?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

How are the words effect and achieve related as synonyms of discharge?

Effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles.

effected sweeping reforms

When might execute be a better fit than discharge?

While in some cases nearly identical to discharge, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When would fulfill be a good substitute for discharge?

The words fulfill and discharge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When could perform be used to replace discharge?

While the synonyms perform and discharge are close in meaning, perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of discharge
Noun
Many of the cases in the U.S. included symptoms resembling conjunctivitis-like eye issues, including eye redness, discomfort, and discharge. Chad De Guzman, TIME, 19 Dec. 2024 The plant’s environmental violations, which peaked in 2021 and 2022, included excessive discharges of nutrients and bacteria caused by equipment in disrepair. Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
According to the Associated Press, before that, Xaver joined the Army in 2016 and was discharged after three months. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024 The patient was discharged 11 days after the transplant and is evaluated daily at the hospital. Alex Knapp, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for discharge 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discharge
Noun
  • In today’s always-on, highly connected world in which platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor have weight with prospective employees and even clients, leaders must be mindful not to damage their reputation with what could be perceived as unfair or shady firing practices.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Damon Wayans, frustrated by his experience on the show, effectively forced his own firing after going off script during a sketch.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Gaetz on Monday dropped an eleventh-hour lawsuit to block the report’s release.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 24 Dec. 2024
  • With 2:12 remaining, Marchenko scored off a nasty release from the left circle, snapping off a shot that beat Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault over his glove and under the crossbar.
    Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Chang's promotion followed Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s dismissal of former Executive Director Claire Woodall and the ascension of Paulina Gutiérrez, Woodall's deputy, to the department's top post.
    Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Since the case's dismissal, Baldwin has resumed his Hollywood career, returning to his old stomping grounds on Saturday Night Live in a variety of roles, including as Fox News host Bret Baier and former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
    Christian Holub, EW.com, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Leaders who excel at execution combine discipline with flexibility.
    Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Over the past 15 years, the state has not carried out any executions, though federal officials conducted 13 executions in 2020 and 2021 at the federal prison in Terre Haute.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The Jets general manager job became open last month after owner Woody Johnson fired Joe Douglas on Nov. 19 after going 31-66 during his five-plus seasons with the team.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 17 Dec. 2024
  • To retaliate, Iran launched a direct attack on Israel on October 1, firing 181 ballistic missiles.
    Amos Yadlin, Foreign Affairs, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Growing up, one of my favorite holiday activities was helping my grandma unload her giant storage box of ornaments.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2024
  • But the Cubs were anxious to unload a contract that will pay him $27.5 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • A lot of college football coaches probably paid it little attention, too.
    Blake Toppmeyer, The Tennessean, 22 Dec. 2024
  • If the settlement gains final approval, participating colleges will directly pay D-1 athletes a revenue share reflecting media rights, ticket sales sponsorships and NIL.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • While the technology is impressive, the real value lies in how these platforms free up HR professionals to focus on what matters most – the human aspect of their role.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The original 28 Days Later takes place in a world where animal rights activists have freed a group of infected chimpanzees to horrifying results.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 16 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near discharge

Cite this Entry

“Discharge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discharge. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.

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