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

This outdated approach ignores that peak cognitive function varies significantly among people. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 Foods like kale, cabbage, and arugula are also great sources of chlorophyll, which is a natural compound that is known for its detox properties and ability to enhance liver function. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 July 2026

Verb

This includes a way to make sure hardware and software are functioning correctly, and also change management for software development. — John Brandon, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026 Dallas’ restaurant inspections function on a 100-point scale, where a score of 100 is considered perfect and anything under 70 is considered failing. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for function

Recent Examples of Synonyms for function

Noun

Crime has been down considerably across the city this year, despite several high-profile events occurring in recent months.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
And the other is a wealthier bride shopping for diverse silhouettes for her multiple events, her entire wardrobe customized by the country’s top designers.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

Definition of event

Noun

However, Skubal was able to bear down with runners in scoring position.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
The issues that come before the Commission are at times controversial, and that means stakeholders on each side of the issue are passionate about their position.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Definition of position

Noun

For decades, the service academies have sought to balance their dual roles as military institutions and accredited universities.

— James LaPorta, CBS News, 31 July 2026
In an era dominated by physical defenders, Baresi distinguished himself through his reading of the game, redefining the sweeper role by combining defensive authority with the ability to launch attacks from deep.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026

Definition of role

Verb

Mellencamp was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, and Thursday’s performance served as a reminder why.

— Jamie Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Rather, each pair should serve a distinct purpose instead of duplicating another one already hanging in the closet.

— Alesandra Dubin, Glamour, 31 July 2026

Definition of serve

Noun

Guest lists of hundreds of people and celebrations lasting up to three or four days are hardly uncommon, usually a mix of traditional rituals and elaborate parties.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Burnham won three straight mayoral elections, in 2017, 2021 and 2024, and Labour candidate Bev Craig, the current leader of Manchester City Council, is hoping to retain the mayoralty for the party.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026

Definition of party

Noun

Not everyone’s job includes crawling 150 feet through a spillway pipe 20 feet beneath a lake.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
The jobs span the agriculture, automotive, education, finance, government, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, law enforcement, real estate and retail industries, among others, according to the fair’s website.

— Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026

Definition of job

Noun

One of the purposes of Ameri’kana is to gather with other people, meet new neighbors and participate in the arts with others.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Our waiter, Juan, was – as all servers at Papi Steak are – quick to illuminate the kaleidoscopic dish with a pocket flashlight, apparently for documentary purposes.

— Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

Definition of purpose

Verb

This also includes musicians and major music acts partnering with companies and productions, releasing their own products or content, or just coming to perform as talent.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Holmes has served as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), or someone appointed by a judge to act in the best interest of children who’ve experienced abuse or neglect.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026

Definition of act

Cite this Entry

Style

“Function.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/function. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of function

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verb

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