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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
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that helps support many body functions, including converting food into energy and supporting other metabolic processes. Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 11 Apr. 2025 Watch the video above to find out how layoffs at the IRS could affect the agency’s essential functions and what steps American taxpayers can take to ensure a smooth tax filing season. Jeff Huang, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
Some were given no toilet and no functioning faucet, or were expected to sleep on mats on concrete floors, in rooms where the lights never turned off. Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025 Short wars may present only temporary disruptions to a country’s economy and society and do not require extensive supply lines; long wars demand strategies for maintaining popular support, functioning economies, and secure ways to rearm, restock, and replenish troops. Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for function
Recent Examples of Synonyms for function
Noun
  • In the wake of the devastating events of last Sunday's episode of The Last of Us, this week's installment marked a new chapter for Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and the rest of the survivors of the infected horde's attack on Jackson.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
  • For traders focused on events, comprehending Snap’s historical stock behavior following earnings can provide valuable insights.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The letter comes more than a year before three of those five officials will seek to defend their positions in the 2026 election.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Those details shared in the second chat included the flight schedules for the F/A-18 Hornets involved in the pending attack on Houthi positions, according to the officials.
    Luis Martinez, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And then there's still a question after that, of meaning and purpose.
    Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 Apr. 2025
  • During questioning by Read's defense attorney, Faller said that the type of alcohol test done in a medical setting for the purpose of diagnosing health issues is different than the type of test used in forensics and relied upon in a court of law.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The country’s struggling economy is heavily reliant on trade, as the U.S. serves as its most important trading partner.
    Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Cadwalader is the former law firm of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who served as the president's former criminal defense attorney in 2024 before joining the current administration.
    John Parkinson, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Or more commonly known (if it’s commonly known?) as a placenta party.
    Danielle Pergament, Allure, 21 Apr. 2025
  • When a drug bust at a party attended by high-profile second-generation VIPs leads to a dangerous conspiracy, the yadang must fight to survive.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Sure enough, in early 2024, PJ took a job as an avionics technician at Tinker.
    Jenni Carlson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Young people also admit that AI can do its job better than humans.
    Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Coach Scott Arniel likes to refer to him as a Swiss Army knife for his ability to play any role that the coaches ask of him.
    Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Rubio said the Europeans had a central role to play in any peace pact, especially as their Russia sanctions over which Washington has no control would likely need to be lifted to secure an accord.
    Bart H. Meijer and Gabriel Stargardter, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Just because a woman may act differently than some may expect does not mean her actions are open for debate.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Town hall meetings are likely to continue acting as a lightning rod for those angry about the Trump administration's policies.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Function.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/function. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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