Synonyms of office

office

noun

ˈä-fəs 

1

as in department

a large unit of a governmental, business, or educational organization

the company's main office is in Atlanta

Synonyms & Similar Words

• department
• agency
• bureau
• desk
• service
• branch
• division
• arm
• subdivision
• subdepartment

2

as in duty

something one must do because of prior agreement

one of the chief offices of a friend is to be there in someone's hour of need

Synonyms & Similar Words

• duty
• responsibility
• obligation
• need
• promise
• commitment
• vow
• burden
• requirement
• imperative
• pledge
• constraint
• charge
• oath
• incumbency
• do
• payment
• pact
• contract
• setup
• arrangement
• devoir
• word
• appointment
• must
• compact
• debt
• trust
• reservation
• tribute
• covenant
• restraint
• prearrangement
• compulsion
• engagement
• force
• coercion
• troth
• duress
• onus

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• relief
• stay
• grace
• discharge
• release
• exemption
• ease
• waiver
• postponement
• alternative
• choice
• option
• selection
• preference
• loophole
• pick

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

Recent Examples of office

Later, the fortress acquired new life as both a lighthouse and customs office. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026

Wear it to yoga, the office, while running errands, weekend brunch with the girls, or while traveling. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2026

Village officials are also working with the Oakland County Emergency Management office on the response and recovery. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026

Inspector general offices are independent bodies that investigate potential fraud, mismanagement and abuse of power. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026