serve

Definition of servenext
1
as in to attend
to be a servant for he served his master faithfully for 20 years

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

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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

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

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

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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

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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 Ball served as the catalyst, pushing the Hornets (37-34) in a game needed to keep pace with the likes of Atlanta, Orlando, Miami and Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament picture. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2026 For some seniors in Minnesota, happy hour comes with hurdles — but a new bill could change that by letting assisted living facilities serve drinks without a liquor license. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026 My brother is serving a 30-year sentence in Green Haven prison in the Hudson Valley. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026 Paris — Anyone visiting Paris just over a decade ago would doubtless have been charmed by the city’s timeless attractions — brasseries serving delicious food, museums crammed with famous works of art, boulevards of chic stores — all overlooked by the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower. Lisa Courbebaisse, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for serve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serve
Verb
  • Brady, their youngest of two sons, currently attends college at Grand Canyon in Phoenix.
    Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Both were attending a conference on theoretical computer science, but the academic trajectories that had brought them there were strikingly different.
    Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Arming a few thousand members of Iran’s Kurdish minority, as some have floated, will not suffice.
    Dennis Ross, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Everybody was on their best behavior Monday night, with the possible exception of one crucial play, and the clutch shot-making of Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander more than sufficed as great theater.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Can my body and mind do it all again?
    Karen Carney, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Although the Commission did a U-turn after the parties sweetened the deal, the episode underscored that merger outcomes can bind companies with social taxes that may undermine their commercial merits.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Guests who visit are treated to a fun camp-like experience, albeit a step up from traditional camping, thanks to modern amenities, a restaurant serving up regional specialties crafted with local ingredients, and ADA-compliant rooms so those of all mobility needs can stay.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The officers and staff members were taken to a local hospital where they were treated, according to police.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And the 6-9, 250-pound Boozer started to act like his brother Cayden, getting the ball up top in a point forward role on several possessions and then driving downhill.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2026
  • With no evidence Austin acted in self-defense, prosecutors Mike Groh and Sarah Wendrof say Austin and Connie would be charged with second-degree murder.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That’s despite analysts saying that spiraling oil prices due to Persian Gulf production blockages are benefiting the Russian economy.
    Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The project is expected to benefit local suppliers, contractors, and the broader economy.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Altogether, service is low‑key and functional rather than reverential—more practical help, less concierge fanfare—which actually fits the retreat’s stripped‑down, results-first vibe.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Tatum’s return doesn’t surprise Warriors A month ago, the Celtics gave Kerr and the Warriors’ coaching staff fits in San Francisco.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Using a spider or slotted spoon, transfer leeks to a cutting board and let sit until cool enough to handle.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The moody Moon paces into your busy 3rd house, energizing your ability to handle quick stops and urgent tasks.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Serve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serve. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

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