works 1 of 2

Definition of worksnext
present tense third-person singular of work
1
2
3
as in serves
to have a certain purpose the human kidneys work as a filtering system for the blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in operates
to produce a desired effect this headache remedy takes half an hour to work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
6
as in uses
to control the mechanical operation of show me how to work the machine

Synonyms & Similar Words

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8

works

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noun

plural of work
as in factory
a building or set of buildings for the manufacturing of goods a glass works where high quality glassware is made

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 works
Verb
Kasa 1080p Indoor Pan/Tilt Wired Security Camera While not specifically designed for pet owners like the first two options, this Kasa indoor camera works for pet, baby and security-monitoring inside your home. Trisha Easto, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026 The recent release of Emerald Fennell’s version of Emily Brontë’s 1847 classic has prompted a new wave of debates over literary fidelity, but the truth is that Wuthering Heights works no matter the context or the culture. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026 While Jewish texts are generously represented on Texas’s list, works by and about authors of other identities are not; the high school list, for example, features no Hispanic authors. Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2026 Find a planter size and height that works best for your dog. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2026 If Trout can play center regularly, the Angels’ roster works much better. Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 2026 Symbolically, this aligns with the idea of revising, restructuring, or changing the way something works rather than abandoning it completely. Christina Pérez, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026 Fiber works best when increased gradually and paired with adequate hydration. Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 16 Feb. 2026 While affordable, the formula delivers solid pigment payoff and a glossy finish that works year-round. Taryn Brooke, Glamour, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
Today the city’s casinos, banks, and skyscrapers include works by many top contemporary architects. Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 15 Feb. 2026 On Main Street, Majestic Repertory Theatre offers a distinctly different experience, combining a professional theater presence with bold, high-energy plays, musicals, and original works known for inventive set design, immersive elements, and a playful, sometimes provocative, approach. Mackenzie Jervis, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026 And it’s directed by Karim Aïnouz, a Brazilian director who once made the heated, moving dramas Madame Satan and The Invisible Life of Eurídice Gusmão but in recent years has faltered with works like the disastrous Firebrand and the atmospheric but tedious Motel Destino. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Feb. 2026 My own passage into and back out of unbelief—one marked by a close reading of works that earlier illiberal societies had attempted to suppress on religious grounds—has strengthened my liberal commitments. Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026 But perhaps the real hope lies in the existence of the film itself, which will serve along with other works as a record of what happened in the still ongoing conflict. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026 The museum just this week partly closed its Denon gallery, home to some of its most valuable works, following a water leak. News Desk, Artforum, 13 Feb. 2026 And to get an up-close look at how harm reduction works, watch the accompanying video. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 12 Feb. 2026 On the contemporary artist side, the duo Libby Rosen contributed seven luminous textile works made of marbled quilted fabric. Grace Edquist, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for works
Verb
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
  • To do so, Nguyen advises maintaining proper form, controlling the weight through the full range of motion and avoiding any movement that causes sudden pain.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • By studying how evolution solves problems, the researchers can learn how to build technology that works better in reality, according to the press release.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Nimmo’s placement solves one-third of the outfield puzzle.
    Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Sandy now serves as minister of works and public assets.
    ED DAVEY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The Boundary House is another popular spot that serves fresh surf and turf dishes along with pastas and sandwiches.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Physically present where Jackpocket operates.
    USA Today staff, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Everybody operates best at a different [emotional] level.
    Brian Mann, NPR, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between Earth and the sun, but is too far from Earth to completely cover the sun's disk.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Every year from approximately November 22 to December 21, the sun moves through the ninth sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius, symbolized by the Archer.
    Maressa Brown, InStyle, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The committee uses 12 criteria to determine who belongs in the field and where teams should be seeded.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Some suburbs are considering microtransit alternatives to DART, similar to the on-demand system Arlington uses in lieu of mass transit.
    Lilly Kersh, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The film tells the story 21-year-old Junyang, who drifts through life while his father quietly struggles to hold their modest home together.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The middle-aged woman cured of breast cancer who now struggles to climb stairs because endocrine therapy has carved away her bone density and caused joint aches.
    Gilberto Lopes, STAT, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • At the same time, the regime shamelessly exploits international sporting events to legitimize itself and whitewash its crimes.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
  • For Abercrombie & Fitch, fraud often exploits early refund programs and customer service escalation, according to Rob Sondergaard, the apparel retailer’s senior director of returns, fraud and abuse.
    Peter Sadera, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Works.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/works. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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