Which perform synonym fits comes down to whether someone is doing a task, entertaining a crowd or getting results: carry out, conduct and execute fit tasks, act and present fit the stage, and deliver or excel fit results.
Perform leans formal, so the plain word do is often the best swap of all. Lists sorted by sense come next, since another word for perform must match its job; later sections also explain the formality ladder and cover performed, performing and the noun performance.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
carry out, do, conduct, executePart of speech
VerbMost formal
discharge, execute, undertakeMost casual
do, put on, pull offFor results
deliver, excel, shineAntonyms
neglect, skip, failWord forms covered
performs, performed, performing, performanceWatch out
Execute fits plans and orders, but it also means to put to death. Avoid it next to a person as the object.
Each perform synonym and where it belongs
From do to execute: the formality ladder
The strip above climbs from plain to official. Do suits nearly any sentence and never sounds stiff. Carry out stays neutral, fine for any report. Complete stresses that the task is finished. Conduct fits organized activities like surveys, interviews and research. Execute sounds precise and businesslike, good for plans, trades and code.
Above that sits discharge, used for formal duties: discharge one's obligations. It belongs in legal or official text.
Stage and music words
For the arts, match the verb to the art form. Actors act or play a role. Bands play a set. Singers sing or give a recital. A theater company stages or puts on a production. A comedian does a set, which is the casual industry term.
Present works for a show, a talk or a speech; see present synonyms. Appear fits guest spots: she appears in the second act.
Before and after: perform in sentences
- The technician performed a scan becomes the technician ran a scan.
- We will perform a review of the budget becomes we will conduct a review of the budget, or simply we will review the budget.
- The students performed a play becomes the students put on a play.
- The new phone performs well becomes the new phone works well.
- He performed well under pressure becomes he came through under pressure.
A resume line reads: "Performed audits and performed staff training." Two strong verbs read better: "Conducted audits and led staff training for twelve new hires." More choices sit on the action verbs hub.
Synonyms for performed, performing and performance
Performed follows the same pattern: performed becomes carried out, conducted, completed or staged. Performing becomes carrying out, acting or playing.
For the noun, a performance on stage is a show, concert or recital. A performance at work is a result or track record. The performance synonyms page goes deeper.
Opposites and common mistakes
The opposite of perform depends on the sense. For duties, use neglect, skip or omit. For results, use fail or underperform.
- He neglected his duties.
- The fund underperformed the market.
Watch accomplish and achieve: they mean succeed at something, not just do it. You perform a test, but you achieve a goal. See achieve synonyms for that sense.
Frequently asked questions
Which word works better than perform?
Carry out and conduct are the most useful swaps for tasks. In many sentences, plain do or a specific verb like run, test or review is clearer still.
Which perform synonym sounds formal?
Execute and undertake sound formal and fit business or academic writing. Discharge ranks highest in formality and belongs to official duties.
What is another word for perform on stage?
Act, play and present are the main choices, depending on the art. Put on and stage describe a whole production rather than one person.
Can I use execute instead of perform?
Yes, for plans, tasks, orders and code: execute a strategy, execute a command. Avoid it with a person as the object, since it also means to kill as punishment.
What is the opposite of perform?
Neglect, skip and omit are opposites for duties. For results, fail and underperform are the usual antonyms.
Which verb can replace performed on a resume?
Conducted, completed, carried out and delivered are strong options. Add a figure or outcome after the verb to show impact.