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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
People with different bowel movement frequencies showed significant differences in gut microbial diversity, blood chemistry and metabolites, inflammatory markers, heart, liver, and kidney functions, and lifestyle habits, too! Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 19 July 2025 Long an island unto itself in the market, The World functions more like a luxury condo complex than a cruise ship. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 19 July 2025
Verb
The Attorney General's Office found that the air conditioning system at Elton Apartment Homes began to malfunction as early as June 5, and by July 10, almost all units at Elton lacked functioning air conditioning. Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 19 July 2025 Designing a nursery that also functions as a bedroom for other children presents its own set of unique challenges. Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for function
Recent Examples of Synonyms for function
Noun
  • At the end of the day, Brown and the event participants and attendees agreed the summit was a success.
    Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 21 July 2025
  • Crashing out can stem from big or small stressors, and are likely to occur in those who do not have developed coping skills, are under a lot of stress, or experience emotional dysregulation (being unable to control and cope with life’s negative events).
    Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • That position marks the title’s all-time high on the list.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Mark the names Billy Carlson, Eli Willits and JoJo Parker, all straight outta high school at that position.
    Greg Cote July 13, Miami Herald, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • In addition to being easier to use, steamers can serve a dual purpose; the steam acts as a natural deodorizer, eliminating not only wrinkles but also odor-causing bacteria.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2025
  • As Wolf says, cannabis hospitality’s future belongs to those who serve purpose, not novelty — building a new kind of travel rooted in mindfulness, connection and place.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Malik served as a communications, outreach, policy, and constituent services intern at Mamdani's state Assembly office during the summer of 2024.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2025
  • Trott is currently serving as chief executive of the company’s iron ore division.
    Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Condado Ocean Club will feature fun Saturday pre-concert parties complete with DJ sets poolside at THE DECK.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Even after stepping very far away from that role, Musk remains focused on a wide range of activities outside of Tesla, including starting a third political party and trying to fix problems at X, his social media platform.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Recent data has pointed to a stronger labor market, with the unemployment rate dropping and the economy adding more jobs than expected in June.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • The project will create thousands of good-paying union jobs, boost economic activity, and better connect surrounding communities from New Jersey to Long Island.
    Carlo Scissura, New York Daily News, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • According to the New York Times, he was terminated from his teaching assistant role in December 2022, a month after the killings.
    EW.com, EW.com, 12 July 2025
  • Butler reprises his 2010 voice role of Viking Chief Stoic the Vast for the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon, while Thames plays his son, Hiccup, who doesn’t seem cut out for the centuries-long tradition of fighting dragons.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Rinke, the least-Trumpy candidate in the 2022 GOP gubernatorial primary, has been acting like a nominee-in-waiting ever since.
    M.L. Elrick, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • Notable Music acts: Big Boi, The Beatbox Collective, The Black Keys.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Function.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/function. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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