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

Breed brings together style, function, and travel-ready essentials with an assortment of groom kits, wallets, sunglasses, and watches perfect for summer and life on the go. —

ABC News, 20 June 2026 Seen this way, communication functions less like a conversation and more like a mechanism for reducing uncertainty. —

Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 20 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

The best Prime Day clothing deals tend to change day by day, so check back in over the course of the event to shop all the newest and most exciting markdowns.

— Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 23 June 2026
Boggi Milano, which will also be the official licensee of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, is a fitting partner to the global sporting event.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 June 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

Given the significance of the peace deal, experts said Pakistan will certainly want to leverage its mediation role for economic benefit, particularly in its dealings with allies in Washington and the Gulf.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 June 2026
Madeline Mitchell's role covering women and the caregiving economy at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal and Journalism Funding Partners.

— Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 25 June 2026

Definition of role

Verb

Later, Simpson served nine years in prison after being convicted on unrelated charges.

— John Wawrow, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
After working in the steel mill himself, Stocklas quit and entered public life, eventually serving in the county council and as a district judge.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2026