The right implement synonym depends on what is being put into action. A plan gets carried out or executed, a new system gets rolled out or put in place, and a rule gets enforced or applied.
Implement is one of the most used verbs in job applications, so this guide spends extra time on implemented and implementing. It also covers the rarer noun, as in a farm implement.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
carry out, execute, put in place, roll out, applyPart of speech
Verb, and a noun meaning toolMost formal
effectuate, institute, effectMost casual
put in place, get going, set upAntonyms
abandon, shelve, scrapWatch out
Effect as a verb means to bring about. It is not a typo for affect, but many readers will think it is.Word forms covered
implemented, implementing, implementation
Each implement synonym by what gets done
| What you act on | Best words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A plan, a strategy | carry out, execute, put into practice | The team executed the plan in six weeks. |
| Software, a process | roll out, deploy, launch, set up | We rolled out the new booking system. |
| A policy, a program | introduce, adopt, institute, establish | The school introduced a reading hour. |
| A law, a rule | enforce, apply, administer | The city now enforces the parking ban. |
| Advice, feedback | act on, follow, apply | She acted on every comment from the review. |
Notice that act on fits suggestions better than implement, which can sound heavy for a small change.
How formal is each implement swap
Left to right, the strip climbs from everyday speech to legal or academic writing. Put in place is plain and friendly. Roll out suggests stages, often in a company. Carry out is neutral and works almost anywhere. Execute sounds sharp and businesslike. Effectuate is mostly found in contracts, and most readers would rather see carry out.
Another word for implemented on a resume
Recruiters see implemented many times a day. A strong implemented synonym shows your role more exactly:
- Launched or introduced when the idea was new.
- Rolled out when you managed a step-by-step release.
- Executed when you delivered someone else's plan on time.
- Established or built when you created something lasting.
- Led or spearheaded when you were in charge.
Before: "Implemented a new filing process." After: "Introduced a digital filing process that cut search time by half." The new verb says the idea was fresh, and the number proves it worked.
Plenty of other strong verbs are gathered in our work and resume vocabulary list.
Implementing synonym choices in a sentence
For the ing form, the same choices apply: carrying out, executing, rolling out, introducing, putting in place. Match the verb to the stage of the work.
- We are implementing the changes next month becomes we are rolling out the changes next month.
- Implementing the policy will cost money becomes enforcing the policy will cost money.
- She is implementing a new budget becomes she is putting a new budget in place.
Implementation, the noun, gets separate treatment on the implementation synonyms page.
Swaps that miss the meaning
Plan and design happen before implementing, so they are not swaps. Complete and finish describe the end, while implement covers the doing. Use is too loose: you use a tool but implement a method. Enact is mainly for laws passed by a lawmaking body, not for a company plan.
When implement is a noun
As a noun, an implement is a tool, often a simple one for farm, kitchen or garden work. Swaps include tool, utensil (kitchen), instrument (precise or medical work) and device. A plow is a farm implement, and a whisk is a kitchen utensil. See the tool synonyms page for more.
Opposites to keep in mind
If a plan never happens, it was shelved, scrapped or abandoned. If it starts and stops, it was halted or suspended. If people simply fail to follow a rule, the rule is ignored or neglected.
- The board shelved the expansion until spring.
- Staff ignored the new dress code for months.
Frequently asked questions
What is a simple synonym for implement?
Carry out is the simplest swap that works almost everywhere. Put in place is a good choice for systems and rules.
What is another word for implemented in a cover letter?
Introduced, launched, executed and established all work. Choose the one that shows whether the idea was yours and how far you took it.
Is execute the same as implement?
Very close. Execute stresses doing a plan well and on time, while implement stresses moving from idea to practice.
Can I use apply instead of implement?
Yes, for methods, rules and lessons: apply a formula, apply what you learned. For a large new system, roll out or introduce is better.
Opposite of implement: which words fit?
Abandon, shelve and scrap are the most common opposites. Neglect and ignore fit when a plan exists but nobody follows it.
Is implement formal?
It is a business and academic word. In casual talk most people say set up, start or put in place instead.