You know that moment when you need to find another way to say “carry out,” but nothing seems right? We’ve all been there! Whether you’re writing an essay, preparing a report, or just looking to spice up your vocabulary, having some solid synonyms up your sleeve is always helpful. In this post, I’ll walk you through 19 fantastic alternatives to “carry out.” These will not only expand your vocabulary but also make your writing sound more professional and fresh. Ready to dive in? Let's go!
1. Perform
When you “perform” something, it means you’re doing an action or task, usually with skill. This word is often used in the context of showing talent or executing something to a high standard. For example, an actor performs on stage, or a surgeon performs an operation. It can be used for actions in both everyday life and specialized fields. “Perform” implies effort, sometimes even art or expertise. So, if you're looking to replace “carry out” in situations that involve tasks, especially professional ones, “perform” is a great option to consider. It gives a sense of accomplishment.
2. Execute
To “execute” something is to carry out a plan, task, or action with precision. This word has a formal touch, often used in business or legal contexts. Think of executing a strategy or executing an order. It implies following through with care and skill, making sure everything is done exactly as planned. Unlike “carry out,” “execute” emphasizes carrying out a plan with deliberate focus and attention to detail. It also has a sense of finality, meaning the task is completed without any shortcuts. So, if you want to sound more serious, “execute” is your go-to.
3. Accomplish
When you “accomplish” something, it means you successfully complete a task. This word carries a sense of pride and achievement. For example, you might accomplish a goal, finish a project, or accomplish a dream. “Accomplish” focuses more on the result of the action. It suggests that the task wasn’t just done, but it was done well and with a sense of fulfillment. Using “accomplish” instead of “carry out” adds a positive vibe to your writing, highlighting that you not only did something but achieved success while doing it.
4. Implement
To “implement” something is to put a plan or idea into action. It's commonly used in business, technology, or management contexts when talking about executing strategies, policies, or procedures. Think of a company implementing a new software system or a government implementing a new law. Unlike “carry out,” which can be more general, “implement” suggests a more organized approach to making things happen. It implies a methodical process with clear steps to ensure success. So, if you’re discussing anything that requires planning and organization, “implement” works perfectly as an alternative.
See Also: 19 Best Synonyms for “Aggressive”
5. Complete
“Complete” is all about finishing something. It's used when you’ve wrapped up a task or project, and nothing more needs to be done. When you complete a job, you've finished it entirely. It's simple and straightforward. Using “complete” instead of “carry out” can emphasize the idea that something is done and nothing is left undone. This synonym often highlights the finality of the action. For example, you might complete a report, a homework assignment, or even a task at work. It's an ideal word to use when you want to stress the fact that everything is fully finished.
6. Fulfill
“Fulfill” is a great word to use when talking about meeting a requirement or satisfying an expectation. If you fulfill a task, it means you've done it as required or as expected. For instance, if someone asks you to fulfill a promise, it means you kept your word. It has a slightly formal tone but is still very versatile. Unlike “carry out,” which focuses on the physical action, “fulfill” carries a sense of meeting duties or promises. It's a perfect choice for contexts where responsibility or obligations are at play, making your writing sound more accountable.
7. Realize
To “realize” something means to make it happen or bring it to life. It’s often used when goals or plans that were once just ideas are turned into reality. For example, you might realize a dream or realize a business opportunity. Unlike “carry out,” “realize” emphasizes the transformation from a concept into a finished action. It's about turning intentions into actual outcomes. So, if you’re looking to convey that a plan has moved from thought to action, “realize” adds an extra layer of meaning to your writing.
8. Achieve
“Achieve” is all about successfully reaching a goal. When you achieve something, it means you've not only completed a task, but you've done so with effort and determination. It suggests success and accomplishment. So, instead of just saying you “carried out” an assignment, you might say you “achieved” the goal, which implies a greater sense of purpose behind your action. This synonym is often used for personal or professional milestones, making it a great option when you want to highlight a sense of triumph after completing a task.
9. Conduct
To “conduct” something means to organize and carry out a task or event in an orderly way. This word is often used for formal actions, like conducting a survey, conducting an experiment, or conducting a meeting. It suggests leadership and oversight, as you’re not only doing the task but also managing it. So, if you're referring to an organized process or event, “conduct” fits perfectly. It adds an air of professionalism to your writing, signaling that the task was handled with authority and control.
10. Undertake
“Undertake” means to start or commit to doing something, often a task that requires effort or responsibility. It's about taking on a job or challenge. For example, you might undertake a project, undertake a responsibility, or undertake a journey. This word gives a sense of the action being substantial or requiring a certain level of commitment. Unlike “carry out,” “undertake” focuses more on the beginning or initiation of the task. If you’re trying to express that you've accepted responsibility for something significant, “undertake” is a perfect fit.
11. Carry Through
When you “carry through” something, it means you follow through with the task until it’s completed. This phrase often highlights persistence and determination. If you start something but then finish it, you “carried it through.” It emphasizes the completion of a process, sometimes despite challenges. For instance, you might carry through a difficult project or a plan that requires dedication. Using “carry through” instead of just “carry out” highlights the ongoing effort and determination, showing you're not just completing something but doing so despite obstacles.
12. Resolve
To “resolve” something means to make a decision or take action to fix or complete a task, often in a problem-solving context. If you resolve an issue, you deal with it directly and successfully. This word is particularly useful in situations where there's a conflict or challenge, and the task is about finding a solution. “Resolve” implies effort and determination to complete something, often under pressure or after considering different approaches. So, when you’re discussing completing a task that required solving a problem, “resolve” is a fitting synonym.
13. Deliver
When you “deliver” something, it means you provide what was promised or required. This word suggests not only completing a task but also ensuring it meets expectations. If you deliver a report, you're providing it on time and with the necessary details. “Deliver” often has a sense of responsibility behind it, like meeting deadlines or promises. So, instead of saying you “carried out” a task, saying you “delivered” it can add an extra layer of professionalism, showing that you didn't just do something but did it effectively and on time.
14. Discharge
To “discharge” something means to carry out a duty or responsibility. It's often used in formal contexts, like discharging duties, responsibilities, or obligations. For example, you might discharge a duty at work, or a doctor might discharge a patient from the hospital. It's a more official way of saying that you completed a task or responsibility. “Discharge” emphasizes that the action was part of fulfilling a commitment or requirement. It's ideal when you want to highlight a formal, often legal or professional, task that has been successfully carried out.
15. Effect
To “effect” something means to cause it to happen or bring it into existence. It's about making something real or realigning actions to achieve a desired outcome. When you effect a change, you're making sure that change happens and becomes part of reality. For example, a manager might effect new procedures or an individual might effect a change in habits. This word is often used when you want to describe a significant or impactful action. “Effect” suggests an active role in making something happen, more so than just completing a task.
16. Engage
To “engage” in something means to become actively involved in an action or task. This word suggests that you’re participating in a process, often with a sense of commitment or enthusiasm. You might engage in a conversation, engage in a task, or engage in a project. “Engage” highlights your active role in the task, showing that you’re not merely following through but also actively contributing. It’s a great alternative when you want to emphasize involvement and effort, making it clear that you’re deeply engaged in completing a task.
17. Manage
When you “manage” something, you handle or oversee a task from start to finish. This word suggests that you’re in control of the action and responsible for ensuring it gets done. For example, you might manage a team to carry out a project or manage a schedule to ensure everything gets done. “Manage” focuses on the organizational aspect of the task and the leadership required to make sure things run smoothly. It's ideal for scenarios where you're in charge of the execution, making sure everything is done correctly and efficiently.
18. Process
To “process” something means to handle or deal with it in a systematic way. It's often used when tasks involve multiple steps or require organization. For instance, a factory processes raw materials into finished products, or a customer service agent processes an order. Using “process” instead of “carry out” can show that the action requires a structured approach. It implies a certain level of complexity or detail involved in the task. So, if you’re talking about something that needs careful handling or stages of execution, “process” is the perfect synonym to use.
19. Attend To
“Attend to” means to take care of or deal with a task or responsibility. It often implies a level of focus and dedication in completing the task. For example, you might attend to your duties at work, attend to a problem, or attend to someone’s needs. It suggests that you’re not just performing a task but paying attention to it carefully. Unlike “carry out,” “attend to” can add a more personal touch, making it suitable when the task requires your attention or care. It works well in both formal and informal contexts.
I hope this list of synonyms for “carry out” helps spice up your vocabulary and improve your writing. Whether you’re aiming for something more formal or casual, these words can make your writing sound fresh and professional. Try them out next time you need a replacement!