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

The sole function of a Slipper, like a Childhood Home, is to comfort a grownup indoors. —

Taiye Selasi, New Yorker, 31 May 2026 The Towode Door Stop Alarm is a budget-friendly, highly effective safety tool that functions as a wedge door stop and a piercingly loud alarm when activated. —

Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026

Verb

This led to severe digestive issues, significant weight loss and extreme food restrictions that required frequent antihistamine use to function. —

Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026 Booting up a functioning VPP takes just a few months. —

Brian Cheung, NBC news, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for function

Recent Examples of Synonyms for function

Noun

The team analyzed five auroral events recorded between June 2024 and March 2025, combining observations from Hokkaido with satellite data and photographs captured by citizen scientists across Japan.

— Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 26 May 2026
While attending the Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano event at the Intuit Dome, Pratt spoke with OutKick about his campaign and reform plans.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026