Definition of officenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word office distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of office are duty, function, and province. While all these words mean "the acts or operations expected of a person or thing," 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

In what contexts can duty take the place of office?

While the synonyms duty and office are close in meaning, 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 it sensible to use function instead of office?

While in some cases nearly identical to office, 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

When could province be used to replace office?

The meanings of province and office largely overlap; however, 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 office On the busy thoroughfare of Rosecrans Avenue, offices are seeing an influx of white-collar service firms full of lawyers, accountants and bankers. Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Related Stories The project began shortly after Schwarzenegger left the governor’s office in early 2011. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026 The California Highway Patrol’s South Sacramento office in a social media post said all eastbound lanes were closed at Howe due to police activity. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2026 Roosevelt Sebastian Perdomo Torres, 36, who was in the van, was in stable condition, the sheriff’s office said. Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for office
Recent Examples of Synonyms for office
Noun
  • At one point in the third quarter of South Carolina’s shutout win, athletic director Jeremiah Donati and other athletic department staffers were handing out free water bottles to fans.
    Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • States are passing laws requiring their education departments to create such guidance; Maryland, Idaho, Oklahoma and Virginia all added new laws this year, reported K-12 Dive.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Malzahn recorded an overall record of 68-35 in his eight seasons leading the Tigers, before being relieved of his duties following the 2020 season.
    Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Tariffs on cement, road salt and hospital pads were removed and replaced with duties on all-terrain vehicles, some cheeses and motorboats.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The relevant agencies in both countries are working to resolve the issues together and Israeli visitors to Thailand will receive official travel guidance asking them to respect Thai laws and culture, Teplitskiy said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026
  • And if Muhammad has a good rookie year and Stevenson exits via free agency, Muhammad could move outside.
    Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Capricorn December 22 – January 19 A professional conversation could become confusing if home responsibilities remain unspoken.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Bassey and Robinson fail to sort out their marking responsibilities in the middle, and Kamada is allowed to ghost into the space to volley home.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That’s close to the average rent of $1,581 for a one-bedroom market-rate apartment, according to CoStar figures shared by the bureau.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The Republic County Sheriff’s Office had requested the bureau’s help with the investigation.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The diplomatic move has been under consideration since June 2025, when the IAEA board found Iran officially in noncompliance with its nonproliferation obligations because of Tehran's lack of cooperation in the investigation.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Several other states have reported Hardee’s closures over the past few months amid ARC Burger, one of its largest franchisees, allegedly failing to pay its contractual obligations to the corporation.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • This common area is bright and airy, with coffee, ample seating and desk space, and a cozy, library-like hygge vibe.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Its compact metal body and mechanical layout are intended for daily carry, while the writing experience remains practical for notes, signatures, and everyday desk use.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • At each turn, a heartbreaking picture comes into sharper focus, underscoring Ricki’s destructive appetite that exploits Rita’s deepest needs and fears under the guise of friendship and no-judgement sisterhood.
    Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The tragedy immediately cast doubt on the need for light-hearted reality shows, much less one built around international travel.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Office.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/office. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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