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

The most common type of dementia, which destroys memory and cognitive function, was responsible for 116,022 deaths in 2024, NCHS data shows. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 Measurement leaders now include the Oura Ring with its Cumulative Stress feature, WHOOP with its 0-3 stress scale, Google’s Fitbit Sense, and the Apple Watch, whose Breathe and Reflect modes function as short HRV biofeedback sets. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026

Verb

Brushing, flossing and regular cleanings function less like cosmetic upkeep and more like the kind of low-cost preventive habit that shows up in lifespan data years down the line. — Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 The kart base is fitted with a Lego nose, sidepods and rear wing, as well as functioning flashing lights on the rear of the kart that can be used in the rain. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for function

Recent Examples of Synonyms for function

Noun

The stadium has been packed, the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival downtown has seen record attendance, and watch parties and other events have spread across the region.

— Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
The traffic control worker minimum wage, which only affects workers handling traffic at major happenings like concerts and sporting events, is more than $70 an hour.

— David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026

Definition of event

Noun

Williams’ decision to leave the position was a big surprise to the mayor, commissioners and residents, though her departure followed months of controversy and scrutiny.

— Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Hipparcos was the first space mission devoted to precision astrometry, the accurate measurement of celestial positions and distances.

— Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of position

Noun

The pieces of it that Weiden shares with us, including a passage about Native athletes’ crucial role in the early history of the sport of football, are eye-opening.

— Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 10 July 2026
Symoné, who is reprising her role as Galleria, will also serve as an executive producer alongside Debra Martin Chase, according to Disney.

— Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 9 July 2026

Definition of role

Verb

Digital maintenance workflow DroneIQ also serves as the central hub for inspection results.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
After hearing from Californians, Hilton noted, CPUC had concluded that AT&T had not shown there were reliable replacements that could serve as a safety net for some communities.

— Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of serve

Noun

The stadium has been packed, the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival downtown has seen record attendance, and watch parties and other events have spread across the region.

— Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
At a time when Democrats have grown dissatisfied with the party establishment, Platner seemed like an appealing alternative.

— Kimberlee Kruesi, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of party

Noun

Last year’s grants paid for things like job skills training aimed at retaining nonprofit employees, specialized accounting services and a marketing program for thrift stores.

— Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
The Dream, however, snapped back to finish the job and put themselves back in the win column for the first time since June 22.

— Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of job

Noun

However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

— Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026
First, only players with three years of NBA experience are eligible (even a portion of a season in the NBA counts as a year for two-way purposes).

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026

Definition of purpose

Verb

Mozeliak argues the team doesn’t need to tank to win, but rather act more like a big market team.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Maintenance inhalers are either long-acting airway dilators or anti-inflammatory medications like steroids that patients should take daily.

— Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Definition of act

Cite this Entry

Style

“Function.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/function. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of function

noun

verb

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