role

noun

ˈrōl How to pronounce role (audio)
variants also rôle
Definition of rolenext
as in purpose
the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists studying the role of sunlight in the body's production of vitamin D

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 role Plowden played a key role in coach Doug Christie’s rotation late in the season with veterans such as Zach LaVine and Keegan Murray sidelined due to injuries. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026 In her role as assistant county administrator, Cobbins coordinated alongside the local fire and police departments, municipal court system, city public works and more. — Sofi Zeman july 2, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026 Boston first baseman Willson Contreras and Washington starter Cade Cavalli each received seven-game suspensions and undisclosed fines for their roles in the fourth-inning altercation. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 The White House has taken a more active role in the festivities than initially planned, setting up its own Freedom 250 project to supplement America250, a bipartisan congressional effort to celebrate the occasion. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for role
Recent Examples of Synonyms for role
  1. purpose
  2. task
  3. job
  4. function
  5. part
Noun
  • There were other reminders as well, some less subtle than others, of the true purpose of Congress.
    — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 2 July 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Traditional studios might adopt Chinese models for some preproduction tasks such as concepting, but the geopolitical and intellectual property risks for commercial generations are too prohibitive.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Robots sound safer The wearable audio system converts nearby robot movements into dynamic warning sounds, helping workers anticipate robotic actions without interrupting their tasks.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026
Definition of task
Noun
  • Lee Feldman held the job for seven years until he was fired in 2018 by the commission.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • Proponents of the authorization note that the $155 million investment arrives four years after a severe drought in the Sacramento Valley in 2022 had cost local communities hundreds of millions of dollars and roughly 1,500 jobs.
    — Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of job
Noun
  • Combining these diverse functions within a single material platform has remained one of the central challenges in advancing practical Li-S batteries, as per the release.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
  • The shop, storage, tools For a property that functions partly like a small operation, the garage with nine-foot-wide doors and shop are part of the package.
    — David Caraccio Updated July 4, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of function
Noun
  • To Siebel Newsom, the critiques of her work and the federal probe are part of a broader hounding of women who enter the public sphere.
    — Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Malik Tillman stepped up and coolly scored on the free kick, his shot deflecting into the net off a Belgian player who was jumping as part of a wall.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 7 July 2026
Definition of part

Phrases Containing role

Browse Nearby Words

roisters
role
role model
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Cite this Entry

“Role.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/role. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on role

Nglish: Translation of role for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about role

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