execution
noun
ex·e·cu·tion
ˌek-si-ˈkyü-shən 
1
: the act or process of executing : performance
2
: a putting to death especially as a legal penalty
3
: the process of enforcing a legal judgment (as against a debtor)
also
: a judicial writ directing such enforcement
4
: the act or mode or result of performance
5
archaic
: effective or destructive action
his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution—
William Shakespeare
—usually used with doWilliam Shakespeareas soon as day came, we went out to see what execution we had done—Daniel Defoe
Daniel DefoeSynonyms
Examples of execution in a Sentence
He is in prison awaiting execution.
The quarterback's execution of the play was perfect.
skillful execution of the dance steps
Recent Examples on the Web
Great strategy can break down with poor execution, so executives are being pushed to prototype solutions.
—Sarah Davanzo, Rolling Stone, 11 Apr. 2024
In a mock execution gone awry, Elward shot Jenkins in the mouth, lacerating his tongue and breaking his jaw.
—CBS News, 10 Apr. 2024
In a mock execution, Elward removed a bullet from the chamber of his gun and forced the gun into Jenkins’ mouth before pulling the trigger.
—Maria Piñero, NBC News, 10 Apr. 2024
Working alongside co-showrunner Don McKellar (of the underrated Canadian series Sensitive Skin), Park has crafted a vibrant, faithful yet often audacious Sympathizer, premiering April 14, that matches executive producer Nguyen’s brilliant novel in both ambition and execution.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 10 Apr. 2024
Having obtained control upon execution of the Stock Purchase Agreement, QIND now occupies two of the three board seats of Al Shola Gas, including the seat of Chairman of the Board.
—Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2024
As a Jew and a Communist activist, he had been threatened with prison and execution in Iraq.
—Joseph Berger, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2024
Oklahoma's execution pace has slowed Oklahoma resumed executions in late October 2021 after a hiatus of more than six years.
—USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
Sentenced to burn at the stake for his strange modern ways, the time traveler uses his knowledge of an eclipse from the year 528 (conveniently timed to his execution) to convince King Arthur to save his life.
—Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 31 Mar. 2024
Sarah Davanzo, Rolling Stone, 11 Apr. 2024
In a mock execution gone awry, Elward shot Jenkins in the mouth, lacerating his tongue and breaking his jaw.
—CBS News, 10 Apr. 2024
In a mock execution, Elward removed a bullet from the chamber of his gun and forced the gun into Jenkins’ mouth before pulling the trigger.
—Maria Piñero, NBC News, 10 Apr. 2024
Working alongside co-showrunner Don McKellar (of the underrated Canadian series Sensitive Skin), Park has crafted a vibrant, faithful yet often audacious Sympathizer, premiering April 14, that matches executive producer Nguyen’s brilliant novel in both ambition and execution.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 10 Apr. 2024
Having obtained control upon execution of the Stock Purchase Agreement, QIND now occupies two of the three board seats of Al Shola Gas, including the seat of Chairman of the Board.
—Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2024
As a Jew and a Communist activist, he had been threatened with prison and execution in Iraq.
—Joseph Berger, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2024
Oklahoma's execution pace has slowed Oklahoma resumed executions in late October 2021 after a hiatus of more than six years.
—USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
Sentenced to burn at the stake for his strange modern ways, the time traveler uses his knowledge of an eclipse from the year 528 (conveniently timed to his execution) to convince King Arthur to save his life.
—Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 31 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'execution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to execution
Dictionary Entries Near execution
Cite this Entry
“Execution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/execution. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
execution
noun
ex·e·cu·tion
ˌek-sə-ˈkyü-shən
1
: the act or process of executing : a carrying through of something to its finish
put a plan into execution
2
: a putting to death as a legal penalty
3
: the way in which something is executed
Legal Definition
execution
noun
ex·e·cu·tion
ˌek-si-ˈkyü-shən
1
: the act or process of executing
witnessed the execution of the will
2
: a putting to death as fulfillment of a judicial death sentence
3
: the process of enforcing a judgment (as against a debtor)
also
: a judicial writ (as fieri facias) by which an officer is empowered to carry a judgment into effect see also levy
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