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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
Taken on their own, many of these historical moments could seem individuated, the function of a particular moment or crisis. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025 From early-morning meetings to a stack line-up of shows followed by late-night dinners, their looks balanced sharp style with real-world practicality—a lesson in fashion and function that feels perfect for right now. Minty Mellon, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
Retaining—and attracting—top talent is sure to be top of mind for many companies, as in many cases, the H-1B visa has functioned as an employee retention tool. Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025 McGowan functioned as a one-man intervention services unit, often fielding middle-of-the-night phone messages and ferrying people to and from rehab. Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for function
Recent Examples of Synonyms for function
Noun
  • This event will be the first of three supermoons in 2025, with others in November and December.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Top 10 events in Cincinnati this weekend – Lions and pumpkins and beers (oh my).
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This position is funded by the ADG Community Journalism Project.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The man, whose position CNN confirmed independently, said he could be arrested too, but that would not stop the business.
    Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Personality and purpose Upon entering the home, the first room one notices is Catherine's spacious office, which sits just to the left of the front door.
    Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • While the Sixers theoretically have four centers, one is the brittle Joel Embiid, two are youngsters who haven’t clearly established themselves yet (Adem Bona and Johni Broome) and the other is a near-the-end Andre Drummond, who might also be traded for tax purposes.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to serving in the state Legislature, Wing is the owner of Wing Media Group, which produces outdoors programming.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2025
  • As the first Black and Asian woman to serve as an NFL team president, Morgan is excited to continue the Raiders’ history of breaking the mold and setting new precedents.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Despite the risks, Democratic strategists like James Carville believe the party is better positioned politically, noting that Republicans control both the House and the Senate, as well as the White House.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Public opinion has historically played a decisive role in shutdown fights, with voters often blaming the party seen as most intransigent.
    Nik Popli, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Your entire life is tied to your job.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Some have said the move could have a positive impact on job opportunities.
    John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • On Wednesday, Trotz claimed forward Tyson Jost off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes, but Evangelista also is expected to fill a key middle-of-the-lineup role for Nashville.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Vought, who helped write the policy blueprint known as Project 2025, is playing a major role during the shutdown, including on decisions over whether there are mass layoffs of federal employees instead of furloughs and what funding is cut and what is allowed to flow.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • They’re set to expire in December, and while Congress could act to extend them, a prolonged government shutdown threatens to delay or derail that effort, leaving millions of Americans at risk of losing coverage.
    Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The unions have asked the court to declare that both OMB and OPM have exceeded their statutory authority and acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner, and to invalidate any actions that may come from the memos and guidance issued.
    Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Function.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/function. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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