Another Word for Achieve: 12 Synonyms with Examples
To achieve is to succeed in reaching a goal through effort. Other verbs say more about how hard the effort was or what was reached.
As a verb: succeed in reaching
- accomplish
- attain
- reach
- realise
- fulfil
- complete
- secure
As a verb: obtain by effort
- gain
- earn
- win
- obtain
- get
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How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- accomplish
- Completes something successfully, often a task or mission.
- attain
- Formal; reaches a level or goal, often after a long effort.
- reach
- Plain and neutral; good with targets and agreements.
- fulfil
- Satisfies an ambition, promise or requirement.
- secure
- Gets something important, often after competition or difficulty.
- earn
- Gets something you deserve because of your work.
Example sentences
- accomplish: The team accomplished the move in a single weekend.
- attain: Few players attain that level before the age of twenty.
- reach: We reached our fundraising target a week early.
- fulfil: Opening the bakery fulfilled a lifelong ambition.
- secure: The charity secured funding for another three years.
- earn: She earned her place in the squad through hard training.
Opposite of achieve
- fail
- miss
- fall short
- lose
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “achieve”?
The most useful alternatives are “accomplish”, “attain”, “reach”, “realise”, “fulfil”. For the main sense (succeed in reaching), “accomplish” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “accomplish” and “attain”?
accomplish: Completes something successfully, often a task or mission. attain: Formal; reaches a level or goal, often after a long effort.
What is the opposite of “achieve”?
Common antonyms are “fail”, “miss”, “fall short”, “lose”.