EXE

5 synonyms and 1 antonym for EXE, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A file that a Windows computer can run directly as a program, rather than merely open and display. Its name normally ends in .exe, and double-clicking one starts the software it contains.

Synonyms

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

binary

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

executable executable file program file application file

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun technical, computing

A file that a Windows computer can run directly as a program, rather than merely open and display. Its name normally ends in .exe, and double-clicking one starts the software it contains.

“Download the installer and run the .exe.”

executable executable file program file binary application file

Opposites

data file

2. adjective technical, computing

Describing a file of that kind, or the Windows program format itself.

“It ships as a single EXE file with no dependencies.”

executable

How to use EXE

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

run the .exe EXE file standalone EXE signed EXE installer .exe

Technical. Usually written lower case with a dot, as .exe, when naming the extension.

Etymology

A shortening of executable.

Full origin of EXE →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an EXE and a DLL?

An EXE is a program you can start on its own. A DLL is a library of code and resources that programs load while they are running; it cannot be launched by itself. Several different EXEs may share the same DLL.

Are EXE files dangerous?

Running an EXE hands it the ability to act on your computer with your permissions, so the risk depends entirely on where it came from. That is why operating systems show a warning before running downloaded executables, and why some software is distributed with a digital signature identifying its publisher.

Do Macs and Linux use EXE files?

No. EXE is a Windows and DOS format. macOS packages applications as .app bundles and distributes them in .dmg disk images, while Linux systems use various package formats and plain executable binaries with no particular extension.

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Nearby words

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