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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
They are also known to be endocrine disruptors, chemicals that interfere with our endocrine systems, which control the body’s hormones—such as insulin, testosterone, and estrogen—and numerous bodily functions, including metabolism and blood sugar regulation. Ani Freedman, Fortune, 26 June 2025 In sci-fi and fantasy, technology and magic often function in similar ways, fundamentally structuring how a society functions—particularly in relationship to work. Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Verb
In sci-fi and fantasy, technology and magic often function in similar ways, fundamentally structuring how a society functions—particularly in relationship to work. Literary Hub, 26 June 2025 The issue is that social media sites like TikTok and Instagram function as a funnel to push viewers to The Bop House’s content on OnlyFans. Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for function
Recent Examples of Synonyms for function
Noun
  • His mother Scarlett and brother Lance flew in for the event to watch Wactor on screen one more time.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 26 June 2025
  • If there was any doubt that Cooper Flagg would be the first player selected in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, it was dispelled within minutes of the event kicking off.
    Justin Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Colapinto and Yuki Tsunoda were fighting for a position outside of the points at the same time.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • That’s why the position of president of the KVIFF will not be filled and remains in memoriam to him.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • That facility, whose purpose remains unclear, appears to be intact.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 26 June 2025
  • And the brands who roll with precision, purpose and personality will define the future of the category.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • County officials are opening up several police department station lobbies and community rooms to serve as cooling centers.
    Irit Skulnik, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025
  • The tune served as the second official promotional cut from A Rush of Blood to the Head, Coldplay’s sophomore album.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • By doing so, the party was able to sidestep a Democratic filibuster and pass the bill with a simple majority.
    Elena Moore, NPR, 1 July 2025
  • On paper, noncitizen voting could be sacrificed without much downside for the party.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Epperson graduated from Berea High School and Ohio University and had jobs at WEWS and WUAB-TV around a 1966-69 tour with the U.S. Army.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2025
  • In the first episode of the series, it is revealed that 10 years ago, Gi-hun was laid off from an assembly job at Dragon Motor, a car manufacturing plant.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Diesel has been synonymous with Fast and Furious, given his role as Dominic Toretto in the series that began as a street racing movie in 2001.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Streep immortalized the role, loosely inspired by Vogue magazine’s Anna Wintour, in the 2006 blockbuster.
    Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Recent federal policy directives are strengthening our ability to act.
    Mark Michalek, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
  • Even if borrowers act immediately, there simply may not be enough time to enroll in ICR.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Function.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/function. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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