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function

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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
Beyond its high-tech lighting, this cabinet also maximizes both style and function. Belle Duchene, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025 Thoughtfully crafted for both function and flair, The Click Bag clicks seamlessly into place and is available in six bold colors: Black, White, Silver, Burnt Orange, Hot Pink, and Green. Essence, 13 June 2025
Verb
Most importantly, the genetics and the health of the thyroid, stomach, and body must be functioning properly—and this can vary from person to person. Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 12 June 2025 This means the artificial tooth can function much like its real neighbors, sensing things like food texture and temperature and playing a role in speech. Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for function
Recent Examples of Synonyms for function
Noun
  • His mother Scarlett and brother Lance flew in for the event to watch Wactor on screen one more time.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 26 June 2025
  • If there was any doubt that Cooper Flagg would be the first player selected in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, it was dispelled within minutes of the event kicking off.
    Justin Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The new revenue will pay for a new fire station and a ‘round-the-clock firefighter position, town manager Ryan Spitzer told The Charlotte Observer.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2025
  • The veteran’s track record includes leading creative positions at festivals in Locarno, Rome, Venice and Beijing.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • And the brands who roll with precision, purpose and personality will define the future of the category.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • That facility, whose purpose remains unclear, appears to be intact.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Located outside Doha, Qatar, the base serves as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and houses approximately 10,000 troops.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • Iran’s 'Supreme Leader' likely will dictate its response Much, if not all, of Iran’s response will be dictated not by its civilian government but by Khamenei, the Iranian cleric who has served as the second supreme leader of Iran since 1989.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • But if the definition of a moderate or centrist is being in the middle of a political party, that’s Trump.
    Rich Lowry, National Review, 20 June 2025
  • Haley shows strength with liberal Republicans (16 percent), but that bloc makes up a small portion of the party.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Gender neutral names for Capricorn Bennett: Bennett is here to get the job done.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 17 June 2025
  • Which is not, under any circumstances, a pittance, especially when the job is staying in a swanky resort and acting, not coal-mining.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • This may mean a significant reduction of day-to-day management responsibilities or restructuring their roles to emphasize capital investment over active participation.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • The source also commended Kate for balancing her royal role while taking care of her health.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Of course, this takes for granted that what the advisee wants is to act virtuously.
    Merve Emre, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • Katie Miller, who at one point acted as DOGE spokesperson and is married to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, has left to work for Musk.
    Stephen Fowler, NPR, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Function.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/function. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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