serve

verb

ˈsərv How to pronounce serve (audio)
Definition of servenext
1
as in to attend
to be a servant for he served his master faithfully for 20 years

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to suffice
to be enough they made the pasta serve for eight guests

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to do
to be fitting or proper those old riding boots will serve for now, but you'll need newer ones for the horse show

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to treat
to behave toward in a stated way my parents served me well in preparing me for life

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to act
to have a certain purpose the harsh punishment served to teach everyone a lesson

Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in to benefit
to provide with something useful or desirable an excellent college that served her with the skills necessary to make it in today's job market

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 serve South Carolina has long been the first Southern contest and has served as a key test of candidates’ support among Black voters. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 Meals are accompanied by either a purple stick or sticker and served on a purple tray. — AJC.com, 24 July 2026 Cities breathe a little easier, celebrated museums and archaeological sites can be explored without long lines, local restaurants return to serving their own communities, and the pace becomes noticeably more relaxed. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 24 July 2026 Before Screen Scotland, Davis served a lengthy term at the BFI, including as the Head of International. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for serve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serve
  1. attend
  2. suffice
  3. do
  4. treat
  5. act
  6. benefit
  7. fit
  8. handle
Verb
  • For $5 a week per child, her sons attended a summer camp run by the Urban Park Rangers in Marine Park.
    — Santul Nerkar, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Cancinos attended a Dallas match on June 17 when England beat Croatia 4-2.
    — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 19 July 2026
Definition of attend
Verb
  • Gonzalez, for his part, called for a total shakeup at the Smithsonian, arguing that reform under its current leadership would not suffice.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 21 July 2026
  • But suffice it to say the battle serves as one of the deadliest and most defining confrontations of the Targaryen civil war, permanently shifting the balance of power as the Dance of Dragons careens toward its fiery end.
    — Megan McCluskey, Time, 20 July 2026
Definition of suffice
Verb
  • Abreu, a two-time Gold Glover in right field, did his part against the Rays with a pair of two-homer games.
    — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Daniel isn’t this devil’s only minion; Armand’s got an Illumination movie’s worth of cronies doing his bidding.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Definition of do
Verb
  • The city will need to translate that to law governing how properties are treated — a long process on deck for 2027, Wilson said.
    — Mark Dee July 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2026
  • This was a player who wanted to be revered as The Man of a franchise, and he was not treated that way.
    — Mac Engel July 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026
Definition of treat
Verb
  • Qatar and Pakistan have acted as mediators between Iran and the US.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • The team’s recital of the pre-match national anthem almost acted like a referendum on each player’s patriotism.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of act
Verb
  • InterContinental Miami benefited from being across from Fan Fest at BayFront Park.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • Analysts say big changes are needed if Volkswagen is to properly compete with Chinese EV makers, which typically benefit from lower labor costs.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Definition of benefit
Verb
  • The first few days after a home is listed often generate the greatest attention, with buyers and agents watching closely for new properties that fit their needs.
    — Heartland MLS®, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
  • Several women also claimed a man fitting the same description approached and followed them on the Cochituate Rail Trail.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of fit
Verb
  • While there’s seemingly no shortage of players and other team employees willing to complain publicly about day-to-day decision-making within the league, Engelbert’s overall job security remains too hot for most to handle.
    — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • MetroLoft, the company handling the renovation, was expanding the floor with a slender addition.
    — Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026
Definition of handle

Browse Nearby Words

servants
serve
served
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Cite this Entry

“Serve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serve. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on serve

Nglish: Translation of serve for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about serve

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