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

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

Unlike standard high-pressure water reactors, MSRs utilize liquid fuel salt that functions at low operational pressures. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026 The third stage of sleep, deep sleep, is linked to physical recovery, immune function and memory consolidation. — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 18 July 2026

Verb

Unlike larger humanitarian ships, the Iuventa functioned primarily as a first responder. — Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 17 July 2026 Originally built in 1932 as a private residence, the main lodge still functions as the hub of the property with a casual bar, excellent restaurant, living rooms to gather, and plenty of porch space. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for function

Recent Examples of Synonyms for function

Noun

Marci McCarthy, second from the right, posted about the event on LinkedIn.

— Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
But in 2024 and 2025, divers captured underwater video of two such events in the Mexican Pacific Ocean and in the Gulf of California.

— Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 23 July 2026

Definition of event

Noun

Its proximity to Russian military positions only two miles away on the other bank of the Dnipro River means that civilians face a heightened risk of attacks by short-range Russian drones.

— Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Bourne previously worked for UC Davis, but her position was eliminated last year after the university announced budget cuts, according to previous Bee reporting.

— Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of position

Noun

Beijing — For the first time, two Chinese nationals have been awarded the prestigious Fields Medal for mathematics achievement – a win hailed across China as a milestone in the country’s bid to cement its role as a science and technology powerhouse.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
The scheme change under Parker impacted Marist Liufau arguably the most of any player on the roster, as the staff moved him from an off-ball inside linebacker role to a pass-rushing outside linebacker.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026

Definition of role

Verb

Harvick, who on May 19th was named to the latest class in the NASCAR Hall Of Fame and will be inducted next January, believes his first Brickyard 400 win on August 3, 2003, served as the launching pad to his Hall of Fame career.

— Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
Learning from others Other countries that have experienced higher magnitude earthquakes with less damage, can serve as models to follow, Martinez Cruzado said.

— Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Definition of serve

Noun

If the lawsuit had played out in court, the losing party would be responsible for the other party’s attorneys’ fees, along with any other fees or damages awarded by a circuit court judge.

— Ilana Arougheti July 23, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
But even if party leaders approve a lineup shift this week, there’s no guarantee Georgians will vote early in the nominating contest.

— Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of party

Noun

In his first job coaching a pro women’s team, Current coach Chris Armas is experiencing the ways in which a women’s squad rallies around families.

— PJ Green July 24, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
By the end of his studies, Salakhutdinov recalled, Yang turned down a job offer from a senior Apple executive who reported directly to Tim Cook.

— John Liu, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Definition of job

Noun

The alleged purpose of the bill is to improve the retention of police and firefighters, but evidence shows there isn’t a retention crisis among these employees.

— Zachary Christensen, Oc Register, 24 July 2026
Selfie videos can be used for login purposes, to verify your age for accessing certain account features, and to create an AI avatar.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026

Definition of purpose

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Style

“Function.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/function. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of function

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verb

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