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 Originally housing offices, its heyday in Detroit’s industrial age was brief, sliding into decline in the 1960s and ultimately going vacant. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026 According to Goff, the person in this position will build out a front-office model for the department. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 There’s a replica of legendary Georgia House Speaker Tom Murphy’s Capitol office tucked inside the library at the University of West Georgia. Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 30 July 2026 At 77 Water Street, a 26-story office building was being converted into a 33-story residential building with 647 units in the city’s Financial District. Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for office
Recent Examples of Synonyms for office
Noun
  • City documents say the department is assessing tripled fees for both structural and grading work done without authorization.
    Zuri Primos July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn will move to propose measures related to waiving Boston Police Department residency requirements and allowing retired officers to take shifts as the department faces ongoing staffing challenges.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • The ritual is one of the most somber duties of a commander-in-chief.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • There have been summers when Manchester United players needed special attention from the club’s staff and fans after returning from England duty.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Kisner, who also owns Treo Business Consulting marketing agency in downtown Lee’s Summit, has degrees in business and project management.
    Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • The agency oversees Medicaid's low-cost health coverage for the state's lowest-income families.
    Larry Seward, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • His responsibilities included opening the facility, watching the children and handling most of the technology at the daycare, including the camera system.
    Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • These are essential for executives to perform optimally when heavier responsibilities inevitably arrive, much like reinforcing a bridge before any cracks appear.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • In March 2025 the bureau dropped the case as the new administration wound the agency down.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The Houthis’ political bureau described the attack as a dangerous escalation of tensions.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • Therapists also suggest talking honestly about debt, credit and any financial obligations one partner is bringing into the relationship, so nothing surprises the other person after the boxes are unpacked.
    Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2026
  • There is, however, an obligation that comes with that position.
    Murthy Maddali, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • Every rug in the ALDI lineup is 4’ by 6’, ideal for accenting the side of your bed, sliding under your office desk, or layering in your living room.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2026
  • Workstations are no longer tied to desks and offices, but are mobile and constantly traveling from homes and offices to co-working spaces and airports.
    Shawn Chang, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • The Police Department also works with business partners, including private security companies, to address safety needs, according to Smith.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026
  • The state has rightful guardrails for expensive projects, and all levels of government have growing lists of infrastructure needs.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 26 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Office.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/office. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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