The best another word for conducted is usually carried out, as in The team carried out a survey. Other easy choices are performed, ran, and held.
Conducted changes meaning with context. It can mean doing a study, leading a group, directing music, guiding a visitor, behaving in a certain way, or passing heat or electricity along. This article covers each of these areas so you can pick the right word.
Quick list: carried out, performed, ran, held, led, directed, managed, supervised, guided, behaved
Below, you will find 30 alternatives with meanings, IPA, usage notes, examples, and context.
At a Glance: Conducted Synonyms and Related Alternatives
| Alternative | Part of Speech | Meaning | Register / Tone | Ideal Context |
| Carried out | Phrasal verb | Did a planned task | Neutral | Surveys, tests, plans |
| Performed | Verb | Did a task, often with skill | Neutral to formal | Tests, operations, experiments |
| Ran | Verb | Managed or operated | Neutral, common | Businesses, tests, meetings |
| Held | Verb | Organized and had an event | Neutral | Meetings, interviews, elections |
| Led | Verb | Guided or directed a group | Neutral | Classes, tours, workshops |
| Directed | Verb | Guided the work of others | Neutral to formal | Orchestras, choirs, films |
| Supervised | Verb | Watched over and directed | Formal | Exams, labs, workers |
| Guided | Verb | Showed the way | Neutral | Tours, visitors, hikes |
| Behaved | Verb | Acted in a certain way | Neutral | Manners, personal conduct |
| Transmitted | Verb | Passed on heat, electricity, or signals | Technical | Science, engineering |
Which Word Should You Use?
| If you want to… | Use | Why |
| Say a study or test was done | Carried out | It is plain and fits most research writing. |
| Sound formal in a report | Administered or undertook | These sound professional and suit tests and large tasks. |
| Talk about a meeting or class | Led, ran, or chaired | Each shows who was in charge. |
| Keep it casual | Did or ran | These are short and easy in everyday speech. |
| Talk about music | Directed or led | These are used for orchestras and choirs. |
| Show someone around | Guided or escorted | Both show that you went with the person. |
| Describe how someone acted | Behaved or acted | They replace conducted himself in simple English. |
| Describe heat or electricity | Transmitted | It fits the science meaning closely. |
Exploring the Multiple Meanings of Conducted
1. Carrying Out a Task or Study
- Meaning: Did or took part in an activity, such as an experiment or investigation.
- Explanation: This is the most common meaning today. It is used for planned, organized work like surveys, tests, interviews, and inquiries. It suggests a careful process, not a casual action.
- Example: The magazine conducted a survey of its readers.
2. Running or Managing an Activity
- Meaning: Led or took charge of something, such as a business, class, or meeting.
- Explanation: Here conducted shows that someone is responsible for how the activity goes. Merriam-Webster notes that it can suggest taking responsibility for a group’s actions and results.
- Example: The principal conducted the meeting.
3. Directing Music
- Meaning: Led a group of musicians in a performance.
- Explanation: A conductor guides an orchestra or choir with hand movements. This sense is attested in English from 1791.
- Example: He conducted the choir with great skill.
4. Guiding or Escorting
- Meaning: Led someone from one place to another.
- Explanation: This is the oldest sense, from the early 15th century. It is now formal or old-fashioned, but it still appears in phrases like conducted tour.
- Example: Our guide conducted us through the museum.
5. Behaving in a Certain Way
- Meaning: Acted in a particular manner. It is used with a reflexive word, such as himself or herself.
- Explanation: This sense dates from 1710. It is formal and usually describes a person’s manners or behavior in a situation.
- Example: She conducted herself in a professional manner.
6. Transmitting Heat, Electricity, or Sound
- Meaning: Passed energy along, or had the quality of doing so.
- Explanation: This is the science sense, in use by 1740. The thing that passes the energy is the subject, such as a metal.
- Example: The copper wire conducted the current.
Analyzing 30 Conducted Alternatives in Detail
Some of these words are direct synonyms of conducted, while others are related alternatives that fit only one sense or one kind of context.
Group 1: Everyday Carry Out Alternatives
1. Carried out
IPA: US /ˈkɛr.id aʊt/ · UK /ˈkær.id aʊt/
Definition: Did something that was planned, ordered, or promised.
- Usage: This is the closest everyday synonym for the research and task sense of conducted. It is neutral and works in both speech and writing.
- Example: The students carried out the experiment in the lab.
2. Performed
IPA: US /pərˈfɔːrmd/ · UK /pəˈfɔːmd/
Definition: Did an action or task, especially one that needs skill.
- Usage: Slightly more formal than carried out. It suits tests, operations, and experiments, and it hints at skill or a set procedure.
- Example: The doctor performed several tests.
3. Did
IPA: /dɪd/ (US and UK)
Definition: Carried out an action. It is the past tense of do.
- Usage: The plainest choice. It works in casual speech but can sound too simple in formal writing.
- Example: We did a quick survey of the class.
4. Ran
IPA: /ræn/ (US and UK)
Definition: Managed or operated something.
- Usage: A common, natural replacement for conducted with tests, businesses, classes, and meetings. It is a little less formal.
- Example: She ran a test on the new software.
5. Held
IPA: /hɛld/ (US and UK)
Definition: Organized and had an event, such as a meeting.
- Usage: Use it only for events, such as meetings, interviews, or elections. It does not fit studies or experiments.
- Example: The council held a public meeting.
6. Undertook
IPA: US /ˌʌn.dərˈtʊk/ · UK /ˌʌn.dəˈtʊk/
Definition: Started a task and took responsibility for it.
- Usage: Formal. It stresses the start of a large or serious task, so it is close to conducted but not identical.
- Example: The museum undertook a detailed study of the old map.
Group 2: Formal and Professional Alternatives
7. Executed
IPA: US /ˈɛk.sɪ.kjuː.tɪd/ · UK /ˈɛk.sɪ.kjuː.tɪd/
Definition: Carried out a plan, order, or action fully.
- Usage: Formal. It is a good fit for plans, orders, and strategies. It is less natural for surveys or interviews, so treat it as a related alternative.
- Example: The team executed the plan without delay.
8. Administered
IPA: US /ədˈmɪn.ɪ.stərd/ · UK /ədˈmɪn.ɪ.stəd/
Definition: Managed or gave out something, such as a test.
- Usage: Precise for tests, exams, and surveys. It also fits medicine, but that is a different sense.
- Example: The teacher administered the test to all students.
9. Implemented
IPA: US /ˈɪm.plə.mɛn.tɪd/ · UK /ˈɪm.plɪ.mɛn.tɪd/
Definition: Put a plan, system, or decision into action.
- Usage: A related alternative, not an exact synonym. It is about putting a plan into effect, not running a study.
- Example: The school implemented a new reading program.
10. Transacted
IPA: /trænˈzæk.tɪd/ (US and UK)
Definition: Carried out business or negotiations.
- Usage: Formal and mostly limited to business. It fits conducted business but not conducted a survey.
- Example: The firm transacted most of its business online.
11. Carried on
IPA: US /ˈkɛr.id ɑːn/ · UK /ˈkær.id ɒn/
Definition: Continued doing something, or kept something going.
- Usage: A related alternative. It stresses continuing, not completing. Carried on a conversation is natural, but carried on a test is not.
- Example: They carried on a long talk by letter.
Group 3: Leading and Organizing Alternatives
12. Led
IPA: /lɛd/ (US and UK)
Definition: Guided or directed a group or activity.
- Usage: A clear, common replacement for conducted with meetings, classes, tours, and teams. It can also be used for music groups.
- Example: Ms. Lee led the workshop.
13. Directed
IPA: /dɪˈrɛk.tɪd/ (US and UK)
Definition: Guided and managed the work of others.
- Usage: The closest alternative for the music sense. It also fits films, plays, and large projects.
- Example: She directed the school choir for ten years.
14. Managed
IPA: /ˈmæn.ɪdʒd/ (US and UK)
Definition: Was in charge of something and handled it day to day.
- Usage: Good for businesses, teams, and projects. It focuses on handling the work, so it is not used for experiments or surveys.
- Example: He managed the store for five years.
15. Supervised
IPA: US /ˈsuː.pər.vaɪzd/ · UK /ˈsuː.pə.vaɪzd/
Definition: Watched over a task or people to make sure the work was done well.
- Usage: Formal. The person supervising may not do the work himself. It fits exams, labs, and workers.
- Example: The professor supervised the experiment.
16. Oversaw
IPA: US /ˌoʊ.vərˈsɔː/ · UK /ˌəʊ.vəˈsɔː/
Definition: Watched over a task or group to make sure it went well.
- Usage: Formal. It suggests high-level responsibility. It is a related alternative when the person did not do the work directly.
- Example: A panel oversaw the investigation.
17. Chaired
IPA: US /tʃɛrd/ · UK /tʃeəd/
Definition: Led a meeting as the chairperson.
- Usage: Very specific. It works only for meetings, hearings, and committees.
- Example: The mayor chaired the hearing.
18. Organized
IPA: US /ˈɔːr.ɡə.naɪzd/ · UK /ˈɔː.ɡə.naɪzd/
Definition: Planned and arranged something.
- Usage: A related alternative. It covers the planning, not the doing, so organized a survey does not always mean the same as conducted a survey.
- Example: The club organized a charity run.
Group 4: Guiding and Escorting Alternatives
19. Guided
IPA: /ˈɡaɪ.dɪd/ (US and UK)
Definition: Showed someone the way.
- Usage: A direct synonym for the lead someone sense. It is natural and easy to understand.
- Example: A ranger guided us through the cave.
20. Escorted
IPA: US /ɪˈskɔːr.tɪd/ · UK /ɪˈskɔː.tɪd/
Definition: Went with someone to protect, guide, or show respect.
- Usage: Formal or official. It often suggests security or politeness.
- Example: A guard escorted the visitors to the office.
21. Ushered
IPA: US /ˈʌʃ.ərd/ · UK /ˈʌʃ.əd/
Definition: Led people politely to a place.
- Usage: A related alternative for polite, gentle guiding, such as at a wedding or an event.
- Example: The host ushered the guests into the hall.
22. Steered
IPA: US /stɪrd/ · UK /stɪəd/
Definition: Guided the direction of something.
- Usage: Mostly figurative. It fits talks, meetings, and projects, but not tests or surveys.
- Example: She steered the meeting back to the main topic.
Group 5: Behavior Alternatives
23. Behaved
IPA: /bɪˈheɪvd/ (US and UK)
Definition: Acted in a certain way.
- Usage: The simplest replacement for conducted himself. It works with adverbs like well or badly.
- Example: The children behaved well during the trip.
24. Acted
IPA: /ˈæk.tɪd/ (US and UK)
Definition: Behaved in a particular way.
- Usage: Broad and neutral. It usually needs a phrase after it, such as acted with care.
- Example: He acted with great care.
25. Comported
IPA: US /kəmˈpɔːr.tɪd/ · UK /kəmˈpɔː.tɪd/
Definition: Behaved in a certain way, often with dignity.
- Usage: Formal and rare. It is used with a reflexive word: comported herself. Use it only in careful writing.
- Example: She comported herself with calm during the trial.
26. Carried
IPA: US /ˈkɛr.id/ · UK /ˈkær.id/
Definition: Held or presented oneself in a certain way.
- Usage: A related alternative. It is used in carried himself, and it points to posture and manner more than actions.
- Example: He carried himself with quiet confidence.
Group 6: Transmission Alternatives
27. Transmitted
IPA: /trænzˈmɪt.ɪd/ (US and UK)
Definition: Passed something, such as heat, electricity, or a signal, from one place to another.
- Usage: The closest alternative for the science sense. It is broader than conducted, because it also covers radio signals and diseases.
- Example: The metal rod transmitted heat to the handle.
28. Conveyed
IPA: /kənˈveɪd/ (US and UK)
Definition: Carried or moved something from one place to another.
- Usage: A related alternative. It fits pipes, belts, and channels, and it also means communicated, which is a different sense.
- Example: The pipe conveyed water to the farm.
29. Channeled
IPA: /ˈtʃæn.əld/ (US and UK)
Definition: Directed something along a path or channel.
- Usage: A related alternative. It fits liquids, energy, and effort, and it is often figurative.
- Example: The tube channeled heat away from the engine.
30. Relayed
IPA: /ˈriː.leɪd/ (US and UK)
Definition: Passed along something that was received.
- Usage: A related alternative only. It fits messages and signals, not heat or electricity in general.
- Example: The tower relayed the signal to the next station.
Conducted in Different Contexts
The same word can sound very different depending on where it appears. This table shows how conducted is usually used, and what to say instead.
| Context | Typical Use | Simple Alternative |
| Research | conducted a study, an experiment, an investigation | carried out, performed |
| Business | conducted business, conducted negotiations | ran, transacted |
| Meetings and classes | conducted a meeting, a class, a hearing | led, ran, chaired, held |
| Music | conducted an orchestra, an opera | directed, led |
| Tours and visitors | conducted us through the museum | guided, led, escorted |
| Behavior | conducted herself well | behaved, acted |
| Science | metals conduct electricity | transmit |
Conducted and Opposite/Paired Word Pairs
| Word | Paired Word | Note |
| Conductor | Insulator | In science, a conductor passes heat or electricity, while an insulator blocks it. |
| Conducted (heat) | Insulated | Rubber insulates against electricity. It does not conduct it. |
| Conduct (behavior) | Misconduct | Misconduct means wrong or improper behavior. |
| Good conduct | Bad conduct | A natural pair when talking about behavior. |
| Conducted (a test) | Canceled | A contrast in meaning, not a true opposite. |
| Led | Followed | A natural pair when talking about who is in charge. |
Conducted has no single opposite because it has many meanings. The best contrast depends on the sense you mean. In science, the pair is conductor and insulator. In behavior, the pair is conduct and misconduct.
Common Word Partners of Conducted
| Pattern | Common Partners | Example |
| conducted + research noun | a survey, an experiment, an investigation, an interview, an audit | The police conducted an investigation. |
| conducted + business noun | business, negotiations, hearings, a meeting, a class | The committee conducted hearings in May. |
| conducted + music noun | an orchestra, a choir, an opera | She conducted the orchestra. |
| conducted + people + route | us through, tourists through, visitors along | The guide conducted us along the path. |
| conducted + oneself | herself, himself, themselves + in a professional manner | He conducted himself in a professional manner. |
| passive: was conducted | by researchers, under supervision, in secret | The test was conducted in a quiet room. |
| metal + conducted | electricity, heat, current | The wire conducted heat quickly. |
Idiomatic Phrases Featuring Conducted
Conduct has few true idioms. The phrases below are established expressions, which means they are fixed and widely used. They are not idioms with a hidden meaning.
1. Conduct oneself
- Meaning: To behave in a certain way, especially in a controlled or proper manner.
- Example: She conducted herself with great dignity.
2. Code of conduct
- Meaning: A set of rules about how people in a group or workplace should behave.
- Example: Every new employee must read the company’s code of conduct.
3. Disorderly conduct
- Meaning: Behavior in public that disturbs others. It is also the name of a minor offense in some legal systems.
- Example: He was fined for disorderly conduct.
4. Safe-conduct
- Meaning: A guarantee of safe passage through an area, often given by an authority.
- Example: The envoys received a safe-conduct from the king.
Word Formation of Conducted
Etymology & Structure
Conduct comes from Latin conductus, the past participle of conducere, which means to lead or bring together. Conducere is built from com- (with, together) and ducere (to lead). Conducted is the past tense and past participle of the verb, formed by adding -ed. Conduct is also a doublet of conduit, which means both words come from the same Latin source.
Date and History
The verb appears in English in the early 15th century, with the meaning to guide or show the way. The meaning to lead or manage appeared in the mid-15th century, first in military use. The general sense direct or manage is found by the 1630s, and the music sense by 1791. The behave sense dates from 1710, and the science sense transmit from 1740. The noun is found in the mid-15th century, and the meaning personal behavior from the 1670s.
Word Class Variations
- Verb: conduct, conducts, conducting, conducted
- Noun: conduct (behavior or management), conduction, conductivity, conductor, misconduct
- Adjective: conductive, conductible
- Adverb: There is no common adverb form.
Common Word-Choice Mistakes
- She conducted a good behavior: say She showed good conduct or She behaved well.
- He conducted himself good: say He conducted himself well. Use an adverb here.
- The school conducted a party: say The school held a party. Conducted suits organized, formal activities, not social events.
- She conducted a decision: say She made a decision.
- Quiet is conductive to study: say Quiet is conducive to study. Conducive means helpful or favorable.
- The survey was conducted by 200 students: if the students answered the questions, say among 200 students. Conducted by names the people who ran it.
- They conducted the plan: say They carried out the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest synonym for conducted? Carried out is the closest everyday synonym when you mean doing a study, test, or task.
What is a formal alternative to conducted? Administered, undertook, and executed are formal choices. Use administered for tests and undertook for large tasks.
What word replaces conducted for an orchestra? Directed or led works. Both are used for orchestras, choirs, and bands.
What is the difference between conducted and performed? Conducted often suggests planning and running a process. Performed often stresses the skill of doing the task.
What is the difference between conducted and held? Held fits only events, such as a meeting or an election. Conducted also fits surveys, studies, and tests.
Can conducted be used for people? Yes. It can mean guiding a person, as in conducted us through the museum. It can also describe behavior: He conducted himself well.
What does conducted himself mean? It means behaved. The phrase is formal and often describes manners in a serious setting.
Is conducted the same as managed? Not always. Managed focuses on handling something day to day, while conducted suggests carrying out a specific task or process.
What is the opposite of conducted? There is no single opposite. In science, the contrast is insulated. For behavior, a contrast is misbehaved.
Is conducted a past tense or a past participle? It is both. She conducted the survey is past tense, and The survey was conducted last week uses the past participle.
Conclusion
The closest and most common alternatives to conducted are carried out, performed, ran, held, and led. These words work well in everyday speech and in simple writing. For music, directed is a natural choice, and for visitors, guided is a clear one.
Context matters because conducted has several meanings. A study can be carried out, a class can be led, an orchestra can be directed, and a visitor can be guided. Heat is transmitted, and behavior is described with words like behaved and acted. Some words, such as chaired or held, fit only one kind of event.
To choose the right alternative, first decide which meaning you need. Then check If the setting is casual or formal. If you are unsure, carried out is a safe choice for tasks, and led is a safe choice for groups.
I’m Mafia Noor, a language enthusiast and writer with 5 years of experience in vocabulary, synonyms, word meanings, and English communication. At InsightHiveHub, I create simple and practical content to help readers find better words, understand meanings, and communicate with confidence.
