Synonyms of function

function 1 of 2

noun

ˈfəŋ(k)-shən 

1

as in event

a social gathering

made a brief appearance at the annual holiday function

Synonyms & Similar Words

• event
• party
• reception
• bash
• celebration
• dance
• blowout
• gala
• fête
• fete
• shindig
• affair
• ball
• do
• benefit
• blast
• formal
• binge
• get-together
• occasion
• supper
• fund-raiser
• prom
• symposium
• social
• masquerade
• tea party
• tea
• cocktail party
• house party
• shower
• mixer
• bake
• orgy
• hen party
• soirée
• meet and greet
• keg party
• soiree
• stag
• clambake
• housewarming
• saturnalia
• salon
• icebreaker
• bacchanalia
• bacchanal
• klatch
• kegger
• klatsch
• kaffeeklatsch

2

as in position

an assignment at which one regularly works for pay

what's your function in this company?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• position
• job
• capacity
• post
• situation
• place
• employment
• employ
• appointment
• connection
• work
• office
• profession
• billet
• berth
• occupation
• task
• business
• career
• duty
• spot
• calling
• service
• pursuit
• posting
• mission
• living
• practice
• trade
• vocation
• engagement
• line
• livelihood
• racket
• practise
• gig
• lifework

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unemployment
• avocation
• joblessness

3

as in purpose

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

• purpose
• role
• task
• job
• work
• part
• capacity
• position
• place
• mission
• business
• rôle
• duty
• participation
• concern
• involvement
• office
• activity
• situation
• use
• vocation
• service
• responsibility
• occupation
• post
• assignment
• hand
• calling
• niche
• pursuit
• employ
• affair
• commission
• charge

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

• serve
• act
• work
• perform
• operate
• control
• regulate
• handle
• manage
• guide
• run
• direct
• administer
• carry on
• supervise
• oversee

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

Recent Examples of function

Noun

Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological condition caused by inflammatory processes that affect brain and spinal cord function. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 31 July 2025

Earlier this week, ICE sent a recruiting email blast directly to officers at sheriffs' offices and other agencies who were trained by ICE to support the federal 287(g) program that allows local officers to perform certain law enforcement functions related to federal immigration enforcement. —Mike Levine, ABC News, 31 July 2025

Verb

Some of these functioned even before the current war. —Claire Porter Robbins, The Atlantic, 1 Aug. 2025

Soon the body breaks down fatty acids to create the fuel to function, then proteins, and finally cells. —Karl Vick, Time, 1 Aug. 2025