Synonyms of function

function 1 of 2

noun

ˈfəŋ(k)-shən 

1

as in event

a social gathering

made a brief appearance at the annual holiday function

Synonyms & Similar Words

• event
• party
• reception
• bash
• celebration
• dance
• blowout
• gala
• fête
• fete
• shindig
• affair
• ball
• do
• benefit
• blast
• formal
• binge
• get-together
• occasion
• supper
• fund-raiser
• prom
• symposium
• social
• masquerade
• tea party
• tea
• cocktail party
• house party
• shower
• mixer
• bake
• orgy
• hen party
• soirée
• meet and greet
• keg party
• soiree
• stag
• clambake
• housewarming
• saturnalia
• salon
• icebreaker
• bacchanalia
• bacchanal
• klatch
• kegger
• klatsch
• kaffeeklatsch

2

as in position

an assignment at which one regularly works for pay

what's your function in this company?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• position
• job
• capacity
• post
• situation
• place
• employment
• employ
• appointment
• connection
• work
• office
• profession
• billet
• berth
• occupation
• task
• business
• career
• duty
• spot
• calling
• service
• pursuit
• posting
• mission
• living
• practice
• trade
• vocation
• engagement
• line
• livelihood
• racket
• practise
• gig
• lifework

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unemployment
• avocation
• joblessness

3

as in purpose

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

• purpose
• role
• task
• job
• work
• part
• capacity
• position
• place
• mission
• business
• rôle
• duty
• participation
• concern
• involvement
• office
• activity
• situation
• use
• vocation
• service
• responsibility
• occupation
• post
• assignment
• hand
• calling
• niche
• pursuit
• employ
• affair
• commission
• charge

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

• serve
• act
• work
• perform
• operate
• control
• regulate
• handle
• manage
• guide
• run
• direct
• administer
• carry on
• supervise
• oversee

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

Recent Examples of function

Noun

In 2019, a study from the journal Geriatic Psychiatry concluded that adults aged 50 and over who regularly played puzzles like crosswords and Sudoku benefited from better brain function than those who chose not to. —Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025

Operating an emergency or public safety vehicle, where a personal device is an essential function of one's official duties. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Aug. 2025

Verb

Researchers demonstrated through simulations that multiple small quantum chips can be linked together into one functioning system even if the connections between them aren’t flawless. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025

The new season focuses on teaching kids how their neighborhoods function, by introducing JJ and his friends to pivotal institutions like the local airport and an animal shelter. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 26 Aug. 2025