variants
also rôle
as in function
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
Relevance
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
The court's decision would come amid rising political tensions over the role of religion in public life and education.
—
Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Eighty years since the end of World War II, Amsterdam’s mayor apologized for the city’s role in the persecution of its Jewish residents during the Holocaust, in a rare acknowledgment of a collective moral failure by a city leader.
—Anupreeta Das, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Perhaps no other American statesman has ever disdained the role of idealism in foreign policy—the meddling of human-rights activists and democracy crusaders—quite like Kissinger.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 1 May 2025
Coach Scott Arniel likes to refer to him as a Swiss Army knife for his ability to play any role that the coaches ask of him.
—Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for role
Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Eighty years since the end of World War II, Amsterdam’s mayor apologized for the city’s role in the persecution of its Jewish residents during the Holocaust, in a rare acknowledgment of a collective moral failure by a city leader.
—Anupreeta Das, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Perhaps no other American statesman has ever disdained the role of idealism in foreign policy—the meddling of human-rights activists and democracy crusaders—quite like Kissinger.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 1 May 2025
Coach Scott Arniel likes to refer to him as a Swiss Army knife for his ability to play any role that the coaches ask of him.
—Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for role
Recent Examples of Synonyms for role
Noun
-
Enough time behind the wheel to experience a few basic functions followed by a pleasant lunch of Pie Sci pizza.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Magnesium is a mineral that plays an important role in many bodily functions, including bone health, blood pressure regulation, and muscle contractions.—
Patricia Mikula,
Health,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Environmental Protection Agency announced plans on May 2 to slash its budget by $300 million in fiscal year 2026, reduce staffing to 1980s levels and dissolve its research and development office as part of a sweeping overhaul of the agency.—
Valerie Volcovici,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
-
In March, Howell issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from implementing key parts of the executive order.—
Alexander Mallin,
ABC News,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
Transparency about sponsorships, financial interests and company involvement is key.—
Anthony Milewski,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
San Mateo County will expand its 24/7 mobile mental health crisis response service this May, offering an alternative for residents who might be hesitant to seek help due to potential police involvement in mental health situations.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The decision of his participation will likely be decided by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who will oversee the conclave proceedings inside the Sistine Chapel.—
Lauren Said-Moorhouse,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2025
-
His participation comes amid a report from The Athletic's Senior NFL Insider, Dianna Russini, which stated at least three NFL teams have interest in acquiring Cousins.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Pattersons called an ambulance to take them to a hospital, while Simon Patterson took the Wilkinsons to another hospital, because of capacity issues.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
2 May 2025
-
The warmer has a 20-liter tub capacity and accommodates up to two oversized bath towels, robes, a throw blanket, PJs and more.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
And then there's still a question after that, of meaning and purpose.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
27 Apr. 2025
-
The two sides talked football on the visit, but the other purpose of bringing him to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center was to learn about the young man under the helmet.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
While Americans can't take their eyes off the May-December romance, the former cheerleader is building wealth, and football and media power, gaining a position of authority in Belichick's sphere as current UNC Tar Heels head coach and a cultural icon.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
-
This is impossible: there is no getting politics out of art because the desire to remove politics from art is itself a political position.—
S. C. Cornell,
New Yorker,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
First and foremost, New York hasn’t run from acknowledging that this is a really tough task in front of them.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
-
But everyday maintenance tasks can be done by homeowners.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Role.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/role. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share