Definition of provincenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word province distinct from other similar nouns?

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

Where would duty be a reasonable alternative to province?

The words duty and province are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 function a more appropriate choice than province?

The meanings of function and province largely overlap; however, 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 can office be used instead of province?

The synonyms office and province are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

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 province Most of the fires were in the central provinces of Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 17 July 2026 But individual Canadian provinces usually bear the burden of buying or contracting for such firefighting aircraft, and every available aircraft has often been required to fight wildfires in recent years. Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026 That may surprise many who assume that leadership in medical practice is the exclusive province of the Northeast, Texas or California. William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 The raging waters and lush countryside that surround the foursome, however, are actually nowhere near the American midwest; cameras were rolling throughout the Canadian province of Manitoba and its capital city, Winnipeg. Michael Gioia, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for province
Recent Examples of Synonyms for province
Noun
  • The warning sign against Japan came when Casemiro picked up a yellow card in the 14th minute for a clumsy foul on the edge of the area.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Wildlife officials caught and euthanized two alligators in the area, which measured 12 feet and 13 feet.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
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
  • Technologies that once lived squarely in the realm of science fiction are now entering nurseries, classrooms, and family life at extraordinary speed, capturing the attention of adults and children alike.
    Dana Suskind, Time, 14 July 2026
  • Some fossils are loaned to institutions such as museums, while remaining privately owned, while others wind up in private collections and disappear from the public realm.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • Saturday Night Live performances — both regular cast members and guests — used to be the domain of the now-defunct Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program category.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 17 July 2026
  • Most organizations don't need AI that can reason across every domain.
    Dave Link, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • The space is a balance between tropical escape and late-night lounge, with moody lighting, sexy design elements and music that keeps the energy elevated throughout the evening.
    Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • The Samba sneakers add a sporty element, while proving to be comfortable and easy to walk around in around New York City.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Finding The Balance Between Automation And Connection The challenge for marketing leaders is using AI without handing over the keys to your brand kingdom.
    Jenny Herbison, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • The kingdom is also looking to boost its role as a regional trade and logistics hub as part of its economic diversification plan, a strategy that could threaten the UAE’s role as the Gulf’s main trading center.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • This story is based on dozens of interviews with Jean, her friends and colleagues, law enforcement officials, psychologists, academics and experts in the field of romance scams, as well as a review of more than 10,000 messages.
    Juliet Linderman, Fortune, 16 July 2026
  • Great game day eats can sometimes outshine what happens on the field.
    Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • Tunnel walks have evolved from viral social media moments into marketing platforms for luxury brands, agencies and media companies, giving athletes new ways to shape their identities, engage fans and expand brand visibility.
    Nethumi Kannangara, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026
  • With fervent editing, careful scene geography, and assured direction, the walk before the run can be tense enough to send viewers crawling out of their seats, willing the fugitive onscreen to get a move on already.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on province

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!