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 Buyers in markets with dense new construction have taken note, walking into builder offices and negotiating across competing communities. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 15 July 2026 In fact, that environment caused the UBS chief investment office to downgrade munis to neutral from attractive on Monday. Michelle Fox, CNBC, 15 July 2026 Six Flags has about 155 workers at its Charlotte office, and Carowinds has around 2,700 total employees at peak season. Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026 The suspect, 67-year-old David Rice, left the area after the stabbing, but homicide detectives found him, the sheriff’s office said. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for office
Recent Examples of Synonyms for office
Noun
  • The department said the tragedy is an important reminder to drivers to always make sure children are not left in cars, especially in hot weather.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
  • Additional details are expected to be released on Monday, the department said.
    Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • The first and most important thing to remember is that both people — but especially Bellingham — will have conducted their post-match duties in a state of physical and emotional exhaustion.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Dax, an 18-month-old Belgian Malinois from Poland, is certified in patrol duties, including apprehension and suspect searches, as well as firearms and ammunition detection.
    Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • As in previous days, the targets were largely in southern and coastal locations, including an area near a cancer hospital in Khuzestan province, Iran’s semi-official agency Mehr News said.
    Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • If the two agencies can avoid repeating past regulatory disagreements and provide clear definitions, the harmonization will be a benefit for prediction markets, said Peter Chan, a Baker McKenzie partner and former SEC employee.
    Ananya Chetia,Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • One employee took responsibility for not catching the boys’ early and unapproved departure.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • How does personal responsibility enter into this world of unfathomable dangers?
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Hu, also the Communist Party chief of his bureau, is the highest-ranking official to be caught up in in a widening probe of the province's coal mining sector, according to Caixin, a Chinese business publication.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
  • The bureau ordered 260 analysts to help sift through the ballots and voting data.
    Daniel Klaidman, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • But when a mysterious stranger begins blackmailing Neve, she is forced to compromise every legal, moral, and ethical obligation to gain an acquittal — or else risk her dark secrets being exposed.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 15 July 2026
  • Former European Commissioner Thierry Breton was targeted partly for sending a letter to X in 2024 concerning X’s obligations under the Digital Services Act.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • But this kind of physical keyboard attachment is, of course, primarily useful in a desktop setting, while ChatGPT’s mobile app can offer more detailed monitoring away from the desk.
    Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
  • Both solo suites and standard suites are identical, spanning 280 square feet with a seating area with a sofa, a table, a desk, and a wardrobe.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Still, the Cubs have acknowledged the need to put more resources into their pitching corps.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • This shortage impacts both skilled and entry-level roles, indicating a need for job-ready individuals.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Office.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/office. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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