FUNCTIONS Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

functions 1 of 2

noun

plural of function

as in events

a social gathering made a brief appearance at the annual holiday function

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Relevance

as in positions

an assignment at which one regularly works for pay what's your function in this company?

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in roles

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

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functions

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of function

as in acts

to have a certain purpose the heart functions as a pump for the blood

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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 functions

Noun

Plus, most tests sequence which bacteria are present but skip the chemical activity that explains how your gut actually functions, and a stool sample mainly reflects the colon rather than the small intestine where a lot happens. —

Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 17 June 2026 Sakura Market is owned by Osaka Marketplace and functions as a small-format version of the larger store. —

George Avalos, Mercury News, 17 June 2026 The Education Department is handing off two of its most important functions, giving oversight of special education and civil rights, to other agencies. —

Alia Wong, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026 In her role, Ferman will oversee operations including content distribution, technology and business functions, and will handle the integration of new acquisitions. —

Michael Schneider, Variety, 17 June 2026 The moves are part of the effort by the team of new BBC director general Matt Brittin, a former Google top executive, to slash costs across operations and functions. —

Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026 The facility functions as a training platform to prepare personnel for the domestic clean energy sector and to test safety protocols. —

Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 June 2026 Biohacking is the broad practice of using science, data and technology to optimize how the body functions. —

Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026 Meanwhile, Washington no longer functions in its traditional role as a guarantor of global energy security. —

Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 16 June 2026

Verb

Ford tucks major ideas and themes into the stunning feature, one that functions both as an intimate exploration of identity and a rallying cry for a new kind of world. —

Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 16 June 2026 This matters more on scenic itineraries than on port-heavy Mediterranean cruises, where the ship often functions as a floating hotel between destinations. —

David Nikel, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 Unlike traditional lithium-ion systems or certain semi-solid designs, this chemistry uses a sol-gel process that functions without requiring any liquid electrolyte injections during assembly. —

Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026 Soft yet supportive, the Vionic Kearny Slip-ons boast a two-inch platform that delivers a subtle lift—ideal for petite travelers like myself—which also functions to alleviate heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. —

Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2026 Keep the space tidy with a storage bench — which also functions as seating or a makeshift tabletop. —

Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 Below, Boston talks to Deadline about her unique writing process, the thematic heart of the series and why the show’s shocking finale ultimately functions as a breakup story. —

Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 4 June 2026 Today’s press is largely well-informed and balanced, and has learned how the market now functions differently from the past. —

Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 27 May 2026 Curate a beach-house feel with a platform daybed, which functions as comfortable seating during the day and a welcoming spot to rest at night. —

Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for functions

Noun

On March 1 of this year, the Qatari soccer federation postponed all matches during the ongoing war between Israel and Iran while other sporting events in the region were also affected.

— Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
Alongside the large-scale events, the pope made time for low-key but moments.

— Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 13 June 2026