Synonyms of serves

serves

verb

present tense third-person singular of serve

1

as in works (for)

to be a servant for

he served his master faithfully for 20 years

Synonyms & Similar Words

• works (for)
• attends
• slaves (for)
• waits on
• tends (to)
• ministers (to)
• dances attendance (upon)

2

as in suffices

to be enough

they made the pasta serve for eight guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suffices
• does
• satisfies
• suits
• answers
• contents
• quenches
• satiates
• assuages
• sates

3

as in does

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

• suffices
• does
• fits
• suits
• goes
• befits
• works
• satisfies
• fills the bill
• beseems
• functions

4

as in treats

to behave toward in a stated way

my parents served me well in preparing me for life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• treats
• handles
• uses
• is (to)
• deals (with)
• acts (toward)
• does by
• considers
• regards
• responds (to)
• reacts (to)
• engages (with)
• views
• esteems
• rates
• reckons

5

as in acts

to have a certain purpose

the harsh punishment served to teach everyone a lesson

Synonyms & Similar Words

• acts
• functions
• works
• operates
• performs
• manages
• runs
• directs
• regulates
• guides
• handles
• controls
• administers
• supervises
• oversees
• carries on

6

as in benefits

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

• benefits
• helps
• avails
• advantages
• assists
• aids
• works (for)
• succeeds
• profits
• improves
• pleases
• satisfies
• contents
• delights
• blesses
• gratifies
• gladdens
• betters

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hinders
• impedes
• hurts
• impairs
• injures
• harms
• damages
• afflicts
• upsets
• distresses

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of serves

Its combustion engine serves as a range extender, generating electricity when the battery can no longer provide all the energy required for driving. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026

For many, a place remembered for its scenery also serves as a backdrop for personal moments of grief, reflection or healing, the survey said. — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026

The hunter-gatherer concept known for paleo bowls, nachos and its vegan queso serves bar-and-grill basics in a healthier form. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026

Accompanying him is Erika (Sandra Hüller), his daughter and fellow writer, who begrudgingly serves as interpreter, personal assistant and driver. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

The Kitchen serves salumi plates and local bread, perfect for refueling after skiing, snowmobile tours, and horseback riding at Turpin Meadow Ranch. — Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

While an alcove over the truck roof often serves as part of a pop-up sleeper roof, the version on the X canopy houses an interior storage cubby designed to hold slim gear like an outdoor table and chair set. — New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026

Speculation also serves an important function in helping markets operate efficiently. — Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

The orchard and cidery serves pizzas and pastas alongside hot or cold cider, and hosts live music as folks linger along the outdoor tables with drinks and games. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026