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 Cullen took over the role of Eeyore in various Winnie-the-Pooh outings from 1988 to 2017. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026 Indigenous leaders played a prominent role in protests demanding the resignation of Porras and the peaceful transfer of power to Arévalo. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026 Fabares appeared widely on television in guest roles throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 In Practical Magic 2, Channing reprises her role as Aunt Frances Owens. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for role
Recent Examples of Synonyms for role
  1. purpose
  2. task
  3. job
  4. function
  5. part
Noun
  • Anthropic wanted assurance that its technology would not be used for fully autonomous weapons or domestic mass surveillance, and the DOD wanted Anthropic to grant the agency unfettered access to Claude across all lawful purposes.
    — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Thankfully, his reappearance in the show actually has a deeper purpose.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Bond yields Persistent inflation, tariffs and whipsawing gas prices are not the only obstacles complicating the task for the Fed.
    — Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Assign the task, organize the space, or clarify the expectation.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of task
Noun
  • It’s mainly centered on Billie, who is worried about an old Facebook post standing in the way of finding a job.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Do artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT eliminate jobs, create new ones, or both?
    — Jeffrey C. Dixon, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of job
Noun
  • Many organizations struggle with disparate systems for critical functions, leading to a lack of clear guidance for frontline managers.
    — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • What Tungsten Is Used For Tungsten's industrial role is defined by its function under demanding conditions.
    — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of function
Noun
  • Utah officials view the partnership as another part of the state’s broader effort to increase energy production.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026
  • As part of the deal, TCS will acquire Porsche's IT consulting business, MHP, for 320 million euros, the company said in a release.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 Aug. 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 30 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on role

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about role

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