Implement Synonym Guide — Definition, Antonyms & Examples

The word implement signifies the act of putting a plan, system or program into operation. The most popular synonym for implement is the word ‘execute.’ Other words that can be substituted for implement will be explored in this article.

Implement – Etymology and Definition of the Word

The word ‘implement’ is a verb. It was borrowed from Late Latin implēmentum (“a filling up”), Latin impleō (“I fill up”). The verb ‘implement’ takes the following forms: simple present – implements, present participle – implementing, simple past and past participle – implemented.

Implement connotes bringing about; bringing a system into practice or carrying out a plan. It’s a great idea, but it will be hard to implement. The organization has agreed to implement its ‘pay before service’ policy.

Sentence Examples

• The government agreed to implement a new system that controls small scale businesses in the country.
• The new leader has been vested with the power to implement new laws.
• Steps were taken to implement the contents of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by most countries.
• In a bid to implement the new plan, the governor faced a strong opposition.
• The discovery he made was handed over to the government, to review and implement it.
• Most scientists fail to implement the findings of their research due to lack of resources and funding.
• Only few office holders ever want to implement change.
• It took a long time to implement the law, but it was worth it in the longrun.

Synonym for Implement — Exploring words with Similar Meanings

Synonyms (words that have similar meanings) for the word ‘implement’ are execute, enact, enforce, apply, carry out, actuate, perform and effectuate. Other terms related to beautiful are: put into practice, bring about, and accomplish.

1. Execute

Execute is an English word borrowed from Old French executer (French exécuter), Latin exsecutus, past participle of exsequor, and ex- (“out”) + sequor (“to follow”). The verb takes the following forms: simple present – executes, present participle – executing, simple past and past participle – executed. Execute means to put into practice.

• The mayor asked his eldest child to execute his will.
• The director’s assistant came here to execute a few small commissions for the director.
• The board said they needed funding to execute their programs.

2. Enact

The word is derived from Middle English enacten, Old French en- (“to cause to be”), Latin in- (“in”) and Old French acte (“perform, do”). The verb takes the following forms: simple present – enacts, present participle – enacting, simple past and past participle – enacted. Enact is the act of putting into effect.

• The authorities have failed to enact the law that prohibits importing expired goods.
• They couldn’t enact laws to protect their own citizens from foreigners.
• The legislature consists of government officials who are elected by the citizens to enact laws.

3. Enforce

The word enforce – “to bring to effect something, not necessarily by coercion” can be traced to Middle English enforcen, Old French enforcier, Late Latin infortiāre, and in- + fortis (“strong”). The verb takes the following forms: simple present – enforces, present participle – enforcing, simple past and past participle – enforced.

• The police is there to enforce laws made by the government.
• The legislation made yesterday will be difficult to enforce.
• The army were there to enforce the curfew.

4. Apply

The word ‘apply’ originates from Middle English aplien, Old French applier, Latin applicō (“join, fix, or attach to”) and ad + plicō (“fold, twist together”). Apply takes the following forms: simple present – applies, present participle – applying, simple past and past participle – applied. Apply means to put to use.

• The governor intents to apply economic sanctions.
• Rules and regulations must apply in an orderly society

5. Carry Out

Carry out derives its origin from carry (v.) + out (adv.).

Carry meaning “to bear or convey” derived from Anglo-French carier “to transport in a vehicle”, Old North French carrier “to cart, carry”, and Late Latin carricare.

Out – “expressing motion or direction from a central point” derived from Old English ut “out, without, outside,” Old High German uz, and Old Irish ud- “out.”

Carry out connotes putting an order, threat or promise into action.

• The general told his boys to carry out the order.
• The organization failed to carry out its main objective.
• They need to carry out a proper evaluation of the new system.

Antonyms for Implement — Exploring Words with Opposite Meanings

1. Hinder

The word ‘hinder’ is from Middle English hindren, Old English hindrian, Proto-Germanic *hindrōną, *hinderōną (“to hinder”), and Proto-Germanic *hinder (“back”) (adverb). Hinder takes these forms: simple present – hinders, present participle – hindering, simple past and past participle – hindered. Hinder means making a plan difficult to achieve.

• I wouldn’t hinder your work, I’m going fishing now.
• Those drugs are quite harmful and hinder the body’s ability to fight off infection.
• The soldiers are at the borders to hinder enemies from entering the country

2. Nullify

Nullify derives it origin from Late Latin nullificare “to esteem lightly, despise,” and Latin nullus “not any” (see null). Nullify takes the following forms: simple present – nullifies, present participle – nullifying, and simple past and past participle – nullified. Nullify qualifies a state of being without use.

• He used his vast executive powers to nullify decisions made by his subordinates.
• Recent recession may nullify the economic growth of the country in the past years.
• This move of course would nullify those laws.

3. Rescind

The word ‘rescind’ was first attested in Latin rescindō (“I cut back”), and re- (“back”) + scindō (“I cut”). The verb takes these forms: simple present – rescinds, present participle – rescinding, simple past and past participle – rescinded. Rescind means to take a rule or law out of effect.

• This development means you can rescind the contract.
• You cannot recind the contract simply because the odds are not in your favour.

To Wrap Up

Implement is an English word that entails putting into order or enforcing. A common synonym for implement is ‘execute.’ Other words with similar meanings are: enact, enforce, apply, carry out, and effectuate.

The antonyms for the word ‘implement’ include “rescind,” “hinder,” and “nullify.” Now that you know the synonyms and antonyms for the word, you can use one that suits your context!