office

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 The charges also do not involve allegations of physical contact with a minor, the office said. Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 20 May 2026 Almost immediately, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard occupied the Tehran office of Āyandigān, barring journalists access to the newsroom and their presses. April White, JSTOR Daily, 20 May 2026 Almost nothing about the magazine scenes rings true either as a picture of publishing or, for that matter, working in an office. Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026 Michael has continued to top the box office and, four weeks after its release, has accumulated over $700M worldwide. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for office
Recent Examples of Synonyms for office
Noun
  • Chelsea are due to have nine centre-backs, not including the possibility of any new signings, so this is an obvious department for a clear-out.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • Councilmember Mai Vang was against sacrificing the ambassadors and again advocated to cut some long-vacant police department positions which could free up millions of dollars in the budget.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • Uthmeier has also argued that the government has a duty to protect children who didn’t have a say in not being raised by both biological parents.
    Ann Marie Luft, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
  • The bipartisan support for the measure comes at a time when federal closures have become longer and more frequent, frustrating lawmakers who say there should be punishment when Congress fails at its most basic legislative duty.
    Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • The object no longer belongs to its origin or to its own agency, but to the structures that contain it.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
  • The veteran forward, who came over from the Dallas Wings in free agency, totaled 8 points, six rebounds and four assists in 27 minutes.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • He’d been promoted to colonel after the death of Joshua Fry, but that simply meant that all the responsibility for the defeat at Fort Necessity fell on his shoulders.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Today’s astrology could leave you mentally bouncing between practical responsibilities and the desire to completely escape reality for a few hours.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • But Miyamoto said the farm bureau estimates that the full extent of the destruction is much broader — $50 million at close to 2,000 farms.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 May 2026
  • Patel recently sued The Atlantic for $250 million over the outlet's claims about his alleged on-the-job drinking and concerns within the bureau about his ability to lead.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • On the other, employers still carry legitimate obligations to assess risk, promote workplace safety, and make informed hiring decisions.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • This includes the assignment of property rights, airport and airline operations, maintenance and repair obligations and financial commitments between parties.
    DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • The 11-villa resort has no TVs or desks in the villas and offers private verandas, canoe rides over coral reefs, sailing excursions and scuba diving.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2026
  • The 11-villa property has no TVs or desks in the villas, but offers canoe rides over coral reefs, sailing excursions and scuba diving.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • Mental-health support is often discussed in broad terms, but meaningful progress happens when care is local, comprehensive and responsive to the unique needs of individuals and families.
    Maria Bledsoe, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026
  • Arrests and citations do nothing to address these needs.
    Shianne LeClaire, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Office.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/office. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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