deliver
26 synonyms and 1 antonym for deliver, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To bring or take something to its intended destination.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To bring or take something to its intended destination.
“The courier delivered the package this morning.”
2. verb
To produce the result that was expected or promised.
“The new manager promised big changes, and so far she has delivered.”
Opposites
How to use deliver
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
deliver a package
deliver on a promise
deliver a speech
deliver a baby
Etymology
From Old French delivrer, ultimately from Latin de- plus liberare, "to set free."
Full origin of deliver →Frequently asked questions
What does “deliver” mean?
The word “deliver” means to bring or take something to its intended destination. In plain terms, to bring something to where it's meant to go, to come through on a promise, or to give birth.
How do you pronounce “deliver”?
“Deliver” is pronounced dih-LIHV-uh (/dɪˈlɪv.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “deliver” in a sentence?
Here is “deliver” used in a sentence: “The courier delivered the package this morning.”
What part of speech is “deliver”?
“Deliver” is a verb.
Where does the word “deliver” come from?
The word “deliver” comes from Latin. From Old French delivrer, ultimately from Latin de- plus liberare, "to set free.".
Is “deliver” a common word?
“Deliver” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “deliver” have?
“Deliver” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to bring or take something to its intended destination.
What is the difference between deliver and ship?
To ship something is to send it off — to dispatch it from where it starts. To deliver it is to bring it all the way to its final destination and hand it over. A parcel is shipped when it leaves the warehouse and delivered when it reaches your door. Delivery completes the journey.
Does deliver only mean carrying goods?
No. Beyond bringing parcels, deliver has several common senses. You can deliver a speech, deliver a baby, deliver good news, or deliver on a promise by doing what you said you would. The shared idea is producing or handing over something expected — whether an object, a result, or words.
What is an example of deliver?
A courier delivering a package to your home is the most familiar example. But you might also deliver a lecture to students, deliver a pizza across town, or deliver a strong performance on stage. In each case something is being brought or presented to the people meant to receive it.
