work 1 of 4

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as in to serve
to have a certain purpose the human kidneys work as a filtering system for the blood

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as in to perform
to produce a desired effect this headache remedy takes half an hour to work

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as in to operate
to control the mechanical operation of show me how to work the machine

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work

2 of 4

noun (1)

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as in composition
a literary, musical, or artistic production unfortunately, many of her works are now out of print

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as in factory
works plural a building or set of buildings for the manufacturing of goods a glass works where high quality glassware is made

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works

3 of 4

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of work
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as in serves
to have a certain purpose the human kidneys work as a filtering system for the blood

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4
as in operates
to produce a desired effect this headache remedy takes half an hour to work

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as in uses
to control the mechanical operation of show me how to work the machine

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works

4 of 4

noun (2)

plural of work
as in mill
a building or set of buildings for the manufacturing of goods a glass works where high quality glassware is made

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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 work
Verb
Different artists work with AI as a co creator, helping generate new ideas, explore new styles, and really push the boundaries of what's possible with their creative processes. Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 The board has worked diligently, all nine members, on a volunteer basis to fight for more access, and that has continued even as the relationship has changed with the White House. DEADLINE: What other issues, the seating. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
The untitled 1981 work hasn’t been seen publicly in 36 years. Daniel Cassady For Artnews, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2025 Like in many of the cases across the country, the judge granted the order, allowing Daou to return to work, and ensuring his visa would not be terminated and he would not be detained or deported without due process. Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
The goal is to something that works for you and to make sure your approach respects your risk tolerance. Adam Sarhan, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 Today, MatchWornShirt works with about 300 soccer clubs and national teams — including Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Napoli — in 35 countries. Robert Kidd, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for work

Cite this Entry

“Work.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/work. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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