implement
Americannoun
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any article used in some activity, especially an instrument, tool, or utensil.
agricultural implements.
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an article of equipment, as household furniture, clothing, ecclesiastical vestments, or the like.
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a means; agent.
human beings as an implement of divine plan.
verb (used with object)
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to fulfill; perform; carry out.
Once in office, he failed to implement his campaign promises.
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to put into effect according to or by means of a definite plan or procedure.
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Computers. to realize or instantiate (an element in a program), often under certain conditions as specified by the software involved.
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to fill out or supplement.
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to provide with implements.
noun
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a piece of equipment; tool or utensil
gardening implements
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something used to achieve a purpose; agent
verb
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to carry out; put into action; perform
to implement a plan
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archaic to complete, satisfy, or fulfil
Usage
What are other ways to say implement? The word implement broadly refers to any article used in some activity. When should you use this noun over tool, instrument, or utensil? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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implementaladjective
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implementationnoun
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implementernoun
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reimplementverb (used with object)
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implementornoun
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implementableadjective
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nonimplementaladjective
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nonimplementnoun
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have implementedperfect
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has implementedperfect 3rd person singular
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am implementingprogressive 1st person singular
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have been implementingperfect progressive
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is implementingprogressive 3rd person singular
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has been implementingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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implementssingular 3rd person
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are implementingprogressive
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implementingparticiple
Past
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had implementedperfect
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were implementingprogressive plural
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had been implementingperfect progressive
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implementedsimple
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implementedparticiple
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was implementingprogressive singular
Future
Etymology
Origin of implement
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Late Latin implēmentum “a filling up,” equivalent to Latin implē(re) “to fill up” ( im- im- 1 + plēre “to fill” ) + -mentum -ment
Explanation
Apply the noun implement when you want to use a fancy word for "tool." A knife and fork are implements for handling food. The noun implement is a very useful word for just about anything you want to describe as a tool or a thing that helps you do something. An implement can be as simple as chimpanzees using a stick to eat ants with or a bulldozer that moves huge amounts of earth in building. The word relates to something that "fills up" a house, as in all sorts of things that allow a house to work properly.
Vocabulary lists containing implement
Essential English Vocabulary, List 1
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"A Retrieved Reformation" by O. Henry
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30 GRE Words Beginning with "I"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The industry would only have to pay about $48.2 million total to implement the rule change across their systems, the agency said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
Recently, Councilmember Ysabel Jurado introduced a motion urging the commission to “refrain from entering into any new Memoranda of Understanding, Contracts, or other Agreements, or implement any pilot programs with Flock Safety or its affiliates.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
But if past is prologue, the courts won’t willingly implement reform.
From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026
As companies begin to implement AI, it’s important that workers of all ages learn these tools and adapt — whether they’re just starting their careers or nearing retirement.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026
More than twenty-eight hundred Peace Corps volunteers were now trained to implement programs for girls internationally.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
