execution
10 synonyms for execution, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of carrying out a plan, task, or performance, and how skillfully it is done.
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.
How to use execution
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
flawless execution
stay of execution
execution of a program
Etymology
From Latin exsecutio, from exsequi, "to follow out."
Full origin of execution →Frequently asked questions
What does “execution” mean?
The word “execution” means the act of carrying out a plan, task, or performance, and how skillfully it is done. In plain terms, how well something is carried out — or, in a darker sense, the act of putting someone to death.
How do you pronounce “execution”?
“Execution” is pronounced ehk-sih-KYOO-shuhn (/ˌɛk.sɪˈkjuː.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “execution” in a sentence?
Here is “execution” used in a sentence: “The idea was good, but the execution was sloppy.”
What is another word for “execution”?
Words with a similar meaning to “execution” include pursuance.
What part of speech is “execution”?
“Execution” is a noun.
Where does the word “execution” come from?
The word “execution” comes from Latin. From Latin exsecutio, from exsequi, "to follow out.".
Is “execution” a common word?
“Execution” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “execution” have?
“Execution” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of carrying out a plan, task, or performance, and how skillfully it is done.
What is the difference between 'execution' and 'implementation'?
Both refer to carrying out a plan, but 'execution' emphasises the act and skill of doing it, often judged by how well it is performed, while 'implementation' stresses putting a system or decision into effect over time. A strategy's execution is how effectively the plan is carried out.
Why can 'execution' mean both carrying out a task and putting someone to death?
Both senses share the core idea of carrying something out. One sense is completing a plan, task, or performance; the other is carrying out a death sentence on a condemned person. Context makes the intended meaning clear.
