office

Definition of officenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word office distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of office are duty, function, and province. While all these words mean "the acts or operations expected of a person or thing," office is typically applied to the function or service associated with a trade or profession or a special relationship to others.

they exercise the offices of the judge, the priest, the counsellor — W. E. Gladstone

In what contexts can duty take the place of office?

While the synonyms duty and office are close in meaning, duty applies to a task or responsibility imposed by one's occupation, rank, status, or calling.

it is the judicial duty of the court, to examine the whole case — R. B. Taney

When is it sensible to use function instead of office?

While in some cases nearly identical to office, function implies a definite end or purpose or a particular kind of work.

the function of language is two-fold: to communicate emotion and to give information — Aldous Huxley

When could province be used to replace office?

The meanings of province and office largely overlap; however, province applies to a function, office, or duty that naturally or logically falls to one.

I felt it was not my province to inquire — Anne Brontë

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of office However, The Marlton is just a few blocks away from New York University's admissions office, so this stay could be perfect for parents and high-schoolers visiting the nearby universities. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026 In his first month in office, Mayor Mamdani has shown he is committed to working with tenants to hold our slumlords accountable. Sumathy Kumar, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026 Staff with questions about the moves should reach out to the central office administrator assigned to their campus, Presley said. Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026 The News contacted the Union County sheriff’s office and emergency operations center and the Knox County search and rescue team Monday for further details but has not heard back. Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for office
Recent Examples of Synonyms for office
Noun
  • That criticism helped spur a push in Lakewood to create an independent civilian oversight board for the city’s police department.
    The Denver Post, Denver Post, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The impasse has triggered the partial shutdown of the department, which also affects the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Coast Guard.
    Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Clifford and DeRozan also took on a share of the ballhandling duties.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • And local police departments and sheriff’s offices, through the 287(g) program, perform the duties of ICE while wearing their respective badges.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Situationist team also presented the brand’s trajectory to several modeling agencies in the hopes of booking strong models on a budget.
    Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • In Pennsylvania, a lawmaker is proposing a new state agency that would investigate schools and uphold students’ civil rights — traditionally the role of the federal government.
    Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • With tariffs, war abroad and slowing growth at home, China's tech companies bear a growing national responsibility.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
  • His proposal would also shift some responsibilities like eligibility verification away from counties, which currently do most of the work of administering social services programs in Minnesota.
    Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Where’s the governor’s highway safety bureau?
    Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
  • In January, the FBI led an active shooter training with Temple Israel's clergy and staff members, according to a post on X from the bureau's Detroit field office.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Add child care, car payments and other recurring expenses, and much of a household's income can become locked into monthly obligations.
    Mike Winters, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Luna is highlighting your bank account from her spot in your 2nd House of Numbers, while Jupiter in your 8th House of Shared Resources potentially adds relationship obligations.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • There were not going to be any tears at my writing desk.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Additionally, there's a small home office with a desk and chair, plus some shelving.
    Adam Williams March 14, New Atlas, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But not all airlines hedge, and those that do are usually only protected for a portion of their fuel needs, meaning prolonged price surges may cause more carriers to raise fares.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Ledezma, a senior research analyst at the CSU Chancellor’s Office and doctoral candidate at UC Irvine, spoke during her interview about the need to remove barriers for students in the region.
    Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Office.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/office. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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