1
as in operating
being in effective operation
the only working coal mine in the area
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Relevance
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2
as in applied
capable of being put to use or account
as a would-be independent filmmaker, you'll need a working knowledge of motion picture photography and editing
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3
as in engaged
involved in often constant activity
a boss who is of the opinion that a working employee is a needed employee, as idleness is a sign of dispensability
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1
as in creating
to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)
this new drug can really work wonders
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2
as in solving
to find an answer for through reasoning
finally figured out how to work the math problem
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3
as in acting
to have a certain purpose
the human kidneys work as a filtering system for the blood
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4
as in performing
to produce a desired effect
this headache remedy takes half an hour to work
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5
as in driving
to set or keep in motion
this pump is worked by hand
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6
as in using
to control the mechanical operation of
show me how to work the machine
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7
as in laboring
to devote serious and sustained effort
the organization has worked for years to raise people's awareness of human rights issues
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8
as in exploiting
to take unfair advantage of
a young boy who worked his aunt for all she was worth in toys and candy when she visited once a year
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Cite this Entry
“Working.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/working. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.
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