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

San Francisco serves as a prime example of how the roaring AI industry is helping drive economic growth more broadly, but masking the economic inequality of lower-and-middle-income families. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

The largely unfamiliar cast lend an air of unpredictability that serves the central mystery well, while the city itself — the bulk of the events take place in the brutalist confines of the Barbican Estate — plays an admirable supporting role. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 July 2026

Each morning, the lodge serves a lavish buffet, followed in the afternoon by its spin on the traditional German Kaffe und Kuchen—coffee and cake. — Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026

The Prime Video coming-of-age series, which serves as a prequel to Legally Blonde, just premiered on July 1, but the cast has already wrapped filming season two. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026

Together, Grébaut and Pourriat founded Septime, which serves fine dining tasting menus in Paris’ 11th arrondissement. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

The cafe is starting a daytime business and currently serves breakfast, brunch and lunch. — Madeleine Kashkooli, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026

Unlike platforms focused specifically on seniors, Match serves a wide range of age groups. — Matthew Kayser updated July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

Shields serves as president of the Actors' Equity Association, the union that represents about 80 performers at Casa Bonita, per CNN. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 6 July 2026