execute contract

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitivelegalbusiness

   To sign a contract and make it legally valid and effective.

   Grammar: Takes an object: execute a contract. The object is the contract, not the person.

   Patterns

   • execute a contract
   • execute an agreement

   Both parties must execute the contract before the work begins.

   The buyer refused to execute the contract until the inspection was complete.

   Once you execute the contract, you are legally bound by its terms.

2. 2verbtransitivelegalbusiness

   To carry out the terms of a contract; to perform what a contract requires.

   Grammar: Takes an object: execute the contract. This sense focuses on doing the work, not just signing.

   Patterns

   • execute the contract
   • execute the terms of a contract

   The company failed to execute the contract on time, so it lost the client.

   We need a team that can execute the contract efficiently.

   She was hired to execute the contract and report progress monthly.

Word forms

Common combinations

execute a contract

The CEO will execute a contract with the supplier tomorrow.

execute an agreement

They executed an agreement to share the profits.

duly executed

The deed is duly executed and filed with the court.

fail to execute

If you fail to execute the contract, you may be sued.

Synonyms and how they differ

sign

More general; you sign a contract, but 'execute' adds the legal sense of making it valid.

perform

Focuses on doing the work required, whereas 'execute' can mean either signing or performing depending on context.

Word family

execution noun

The act of signing or performing a contract.

executor noun

A person who carries out the terms of a will or contract.

Commonly confused: execute contract or enforce?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “execute contract”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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