variants
also rôle
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
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
In January, the military implemented a strict waist-to-height body composition ratio, regardless of a troop’s particular role.
—
Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 June 2026
Hiatt previously served as chief operating officer of California Naturals and prior to that held multiple leadership roles at Glossier.
—Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 3 June 2026
Using reverse genetics, the team mapped this defect and uncovered a brand-new, H3N2-specific role for Rab11B during viral entry.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
There are also very few news vehicles that will give producers the same kind of role.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for role
Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 June 2026
Hiatt previously served as chief operating officer of California Naturals and prior to that held multiple leadership roles at Glossier.
—Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 3 June 2026
Using reverse genetics, the team mapped this defect and uncovered a brand-new, H3N2-specific role for Rab11B during viral entry.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
There are also very few news vehicles that will give producers the same kind of role.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for role
Recent Examples of Synonyms for role
Noun
-
While much attention since the fire has focused on rebuilding physical structures, Nemecek said preserving the ranch’s purpose is equally important.—
Daily News,
Daily News,
9 June 2026
-
And yet, while the animals in these stories are sacrificed to selfish purpose and whim, the human characters are astonished and haunted by them.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Key maintenance tasks include checking tires, brakes, fluids, wipers, and the battery.—
Danny Smith,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
-
His final task, putting the vinyl top on the roof, was completed on May 23.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
During the four-month primary campaign, Raman offered withering critiques of Bass’ first term, saying the mayor failed to act with urgency on homelessness, apartment construction, street repairs and the exodus of entertainment jobs from the region.—
Noah Goldberg,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
Thomas was then promoted to the top job in March 2025, with the title of design director.—
Laure Guilbault,
Vogue,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Things changed in January 2025, when Bass was more than 7,000 miles away at a diplomatic function in Ghana when the Palisades fire broke out.—
Noah Goldberg,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
There were machines that assessed my body from the outside and from within; tests that looked at composition, function and performance; cognitive diagnostics that felt oddly enjoyable; and strength assessments that were, frankly, less charming.—
Rachel Ingram,
Robb Report,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Extra deployments, additional monitoring of cameras, more intelligence sharing and even drone deployments are part of an aggressive, proactive approach in an elevated threat environment, officials say.—
Gloria Pazmino,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
-
Each being part of a species, each species part of a genus and family, all life in relation to other life.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Role.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/role. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
