FUNCTION Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'function' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of function are duty , office , and province . While all these words mean "the acts or operations expected of a person or thing," 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

Q: In what contexts can 'duty' take the place of 'function'?

Although the words duty and function have much in common, 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

Q: When is 'office' a more appropriate choice than 'function'?

While in some cases nearly identical to function , 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

Q: When would 'province' be a good substitute for 'function'?

The words province and function can be used in similar contexts, but 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

function 1 of 2

noun

ˈfəŋ(k)-shən

Definition of function next

as in event

a social gathering made a brief appearance at the annual holiday function

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in position

an assignment at which one regularly works for pay what's your function in this company?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in role

the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists that machine's function is to sort bolts by size

Synonyms & Similar Words

function

2 of 2

verb

as in to serve

to have a certain purpose the heart functions as a pump for the blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word function distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of function are duty, office, and province. While all these words mean "the acts or operations expected of a person or thing," 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

In what contexts can duty take the place of function?

Although the words duty and function have much in common, 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 office a more appropriate choice than function?

While in some cases nearly identical to function, 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

When would province be a good substitute for function?

The words province and function can be used in similar contexts, but 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 function

Noun

While other employers are pulling back on junior-level hiring, real estate firms are continuing to invest in business functions that lead to tangible growth. —

Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 28 June 2026 There is currently no evidence that NSDR can fully reproduce these functions. —

Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 28 June 2026

Verb

There’s a full, functioning restaurant, run by a full, functioning family. —

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 June 2026 This can also function well as an emergency fund, perhaps even better than a home equity loan can, because the money will only need to be repaid if used. —

Matt Richardson, CBS News, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for function

Recent Examples of Synonyms for function

Noun

Greenwood is leading a series of high-profile events to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

— Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Fans from around the world attended the event, with many saying this World Cup has felt different.

— Anna McAllister, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Definition of event

Noun

And that put him in position to score easily on Tommy Edman’s double to the center-field warning track for the first run of the game.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Polling tells him that his moderate positions on important policies are popular.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026

Definition of position

Noun

In her role as assistant county administrator, Cobbins coordinated alongside the local fire and police departments, municipal court system, city public works and more.

— Sofi Zeman July 2, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Boston first baseman Willson Contreras and Washington starter Cade Cavalli each received seven-game suspensions and undisclosed fines for their roles in the fourth-inning altercation.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of role

Verb

Greg Chavarria resigned in 2024, then Susan Grant served almost a year as acting city manager.

— Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Yybyyb Square-Toe Glove Ballet Flats Before heading to checkout, be sure to consider these glove flats that’ll serve as a conversation-starter and compliment-magnet in your closet.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 3 July 2026

Definition of serve

Noun

In movies, friendships end with a big blowup after there has been a significant betrayal by one party.

— Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Another climber, who was not part of the woman's party, happened to be nearby and was able to help the woman, remaining with her group until responders arrived, per the Forest Service.

— Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Definition of party

Noun

Lee Feldman held the job for seven years until he was fired in 2018 by the commission.

— Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Proponents of the authorization note that the $155 million investment arrives four years after a severe drought in the Sacramento Valley in 2022 had cost local communities hundreds of millions of dollars and roughly 1,500 jobs.

— Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Definition of job

Noun

There were other reminders as well, some less subtle than others, of the true purpose of Congress.

— Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 July 2026
However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

— Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 2 July 2026