In the context of your resume, the verb 'execute' indicates that you are an action-oriented person who can make things happen. The ability to follow through on projects and get things done is a valuable skill in any workplace. It's especially important for people who manage others.

However, using the word 'execute' too much can sound monotonous and dull. To ensure that your resume is well-written, use synonyms for this action verb in writing your bullet points. You should also use the different action verbs in the past tense. It is a general rule to use the past tense of the verb when describing your role in previous projects or companies. For example, the past tense of the verb 'execute' is 'executed.'

The action verb 'execute' has many appropriate synonyms for your resume. For example, it can be replaced with 'implemented' or 'enforced,' which are similar in meaning. It can also be used reciprocally with 'moderated,' 'produced,' and 'enacted.'

By using synonyms, you'll be able to vary your sentence structure and avoid sounding toneless. As such, it is recommended that you use other words for 'execute' when writing your resume because it will give you an edge over your competition.

I've compiled some synonyms you can use instead of Execute on your resume, followed by real examples I've written for clients (feel free to use them!).

Resume Synonyms for Execute:

Delivered
Actualized
Initiated
Materialized
Finalized
Discharged
Undertook
Effected
Elevated
Instituted
Implemented
Enforced
Administered
Achieved
Enacted
Rendered
Regulated
Fulfilled
Created
Attained
Orchestrated
Facilitated
Generated
Authorized
Leveraged
Championed
Officiated
Allowed
Moderated
Produced

How to replace Execute with a stronger action verb:

Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase, Execute, with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.

Before: Weak example using Execute

• Execute design and launch of tools for Resume Worded to reduce costs and wasted time

⤸

After: Using a stronger synonym• Designed and launched an online query tool for end users and all Resume Worded's office departments globally; enabled remote troubleshooting, reducing technician travel cost and time by 40% .

Replacing Execute with Delivered ▾

Before: Execute

• Execute digital marketing initiatives

⤸

After: Delivered• Delivered a 35% increase in customer engagement by executing precise, ROI-driven digital marketing tactics for a new product line launch

Adding a specific, quantified impact gives the phrase more meaning and demonstrates the success of the candidate's efforts. I switched out 'execute' for 'delivered', as this speaks directly to the candidate's ability to bring about positive results.

Tip: I've prepared a ton of additional examples for you to give you inspiration. Please click on any of the following to expand and see real examples of how I've rewritten client bullet points.

Replacing Execute with Actualized ▾

Before: Execute

• Execute operations strategies

⤸

After: Actualized• Actualized a $500,000 reduction in annual operating costs by improving and implementing innovative operations strategies within supply chain logistics

Including specific numbers and details of how operations strategies were improved paints a clearer picture of the candidate's competencies. 'Actualized' suggests that the candidate turned plans into successful results.

Replacing Execute with Initiated ▾

Before: Execute

• Execute workforce training programs

⤸

After: Initiated• Initiated a comprehensive workforce training program, improving team efficiency by 30% and decreasing turnover rate by 20% in a quarter

I included the overall outcome of what the training program achieved, so it gives a clear picture. 'Initiated' exhibits that you drove the actions rather than simply participating.

Replacing Execute with Materialized ▾

Before: Execute

• Execute budget reduction plan

⤸

After: Materialized• Materialized a 20% reduction in annual budget by revising and implementing more efficient resource allocation strategies

I added a clearer outline of how the task accomplished was performed. 'Materialized' is a term that shows the candidate made the plan a reality.

Replacing Execute with Finalized ▾

Before: Execute

• Execute product testing

⤸

After: Finalized• Finalized rigorous product testing for new software, culminating in an elevated user satisfaction rate by 25% and a decrease in support tickets by 15%

Adding precise metrics and using 'finalized' instead of 'execute' shows the candidate saw the testing process through to its conclusion and achieved considerable success.

Replacing Execute with Discharged ▾

Before: Execute

• Execute the coordination of events

⤸

After: Discharged• Discharged successful coordination of 50+ company-wide events, leading to a 60% boost in employee involvement and satisfaction

I replaced the vague 'events' with a quantifiable number, and 'discharged' shows that you completed your duty rather than only participating.

Replacing Execute with Undertook ▾

Before: Execute

• Execute business development initiatives

⤸

After: Undertook• Undertook targeted business development initiatives that resulted in a 30% increase in new client sign-ups within six months

By pairing an achieved metric with an action verb, 'undertook', that indicates ownership and initiative, the sentence is transformed into one that clearly demonstrates the candidate's effectiveness.

Replacing Execute with Effected ▾

Before: Execute

• Execute cost-cutting measures

⤸

After: Effected• Effected a series of aggressive cost-cutting measures that ultimately saved the organization approximately $2 million annually

I chose 'effected' as it implies a sense of causality and agency. The specific amount saved illustrates the significant impact of the candidate's efforts.

Replacing Execute with Elevated ▾

Before: Execute

• Execute customer engagement strategies

⤸

After: Elevated• Elevated customer engagement rates by 45% through execution of impactful social media and email marketing campaigns

To present a more dynamic image, I employed the verb 'elevated'. Including the metric shows the impact and value of the strategies applied.

Replacing Execute with Instituted ▾

Before: Execute

• Execute quality control procedures

⤸

After: Instituted• Instituted rigorous quality control procedures which accelerated error detection speed by 50% and effectively decreased product returns by 20%

The verb 'instituted' suggests establishment of regular procedures, strengthening the candidate's portrayal as an effective leader. Quantifiable achievements express the candidate's ability to drive results.

How to use these synonyms in practice

We've put together an infographic to give you more examples of how to put this into practice. Note the use of strong action verbs instead of words like Execute.

More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Led on a resume:

• Led team of four overseeing all aspects of social media strategy, increasing Twitter following by 200%, Facebook by 500%+ and Instagram by 500%.

How to use Conducted on a resume:

• Conducted sector research in TMT space through expert interviews, market reports, and engagement with external advisors; created sector map of big data analytics space; prepared recommendations on attractiveness and feasibility on 6+ prospects.

How to use Promoted on a resume:

• Promoted within 12 months due to strong performance and organizational impact - ahead of schedule by 12 months.

How to use Developed on a resume:

• Developed and implemented heavily parallelized algorithms to resize and watermark 5MM+ images of different sizes using Amazon EC2.

How to use Evaluated on a resume:

• Evaluated acquisition opportunities for a German reinsurer. Performed accretion and dilution analyses, conducted market research to gauge the viability and long term prospects of target's businesses.

How to use Created on a resume:

• Created economic model to assess financial feasibility and operational synergies throughout the supply chain; identified >$50M in savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Execute on a resume?

You can say Regulated, Orchestrated or Championed instead of Execute.

What are other words for Execute on a resume?

Generic language like Execute are considered to be buzzwords because they're used so often. Consider using synonyms like Enacted, Moderated, Leveraged, Allowed, Created or Regulated.

Get a free resume review: Find out if your action verbs are strong enough.

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