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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
Beyond its high-tech lighting, this cabinet also maximizes both style and function. Belle Duchene, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025 Thoughtfully crafted for both function and flair, The Click Bag clicks seamlessly into place and is available in six bold colors: Black, White, Silver, Burnt Orange, Hot Pink, and Green. Essence, 13 June 2025
Verb
Most importantly, the genetics and the health of the thyroid, stomach, and body must be functioning properly—and this can vary from person to person. Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 12 June 2025 This means the artificial tooth can function much like its real neighbors, sensing things like food texture and temperature and playing a role in speech. Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for function
Recent Examples of Synonyms for function
Noun
  • Here’s what to know about any planned street closures surrounding these events.
    Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 June 2025
  • My solution is to send electronic notes — for expressing appreciation, recognizing significant events, etc.
    Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • In recent months, during this new political environment, LAF and UNIFIL have been recovering a large number of ammunition caches as well as positions used previously by Hezbollah.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
  • The new revenue will pay for a new fire station and a ‘round-the-clock firefighter position, town manager Ryan Spitzer told The Charlotte Observer.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • The vast majority of university endowments are restricted to specific purposes such as scholarships, professorships and other academic programs.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
  • While these measures aim to increase efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs by eliminating administrative burdens, DEI may have served a crucial purpose in enhancing VA services to its underserved veteran communities.
    Cristina Johnson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Featuring country-style sausage, fluffy eggs, crispy Bo-Rounds, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and Southern-style sausage gravy, the Bo-Rito is a full-size breakfast wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and served with a side of Texas Pete hot sauce.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • This means Boardroom and QSI will team up on commercial, investment and media content initiatives, as well as advising on PSG’s growth in the U.S., while the parties will also develop merchandise together.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Also by this time the Nazi party had come to power in Germany and Ernst Toller had been exiled.
    Kamila Shamsie June 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The capabilities of drones, 5G, and artificial intelligence (AI) are significantly making a difference in their ability to succeed at their jobs.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • At the time, a few dozen U.S. corporations employed 11% of the population of Northern Ireland; these Irish workers faced job discrimination.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • With containment objectives largely met, the Apple Valley Fire Protection District and CAL FIRE have concluded their roles in Unified Command.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2025
  • Warfield, who played Roz on the original Night Court, occasionally reprised her role as well.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Katie Miller, who at one point acted as DOGE spokesperson and is married to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, has left to work for Musk.
    Stephen Fowler, NPR, 16 June 2025
  • Smiley never acts for personal gain (though his skills do earn him the directorship of the Circus, by the time of 1977’s The Honourable Schoolboy).
    Rav Grewal-Kök June 16, Literary Hub, 16 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Function.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/function. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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