1
as in operating
being in effective operation
the only working coal mine in the area
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in applied
capable of being put to use or account
as a would-be independent filmmaker, you'll need a working knowledge of motion picture photography and editing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in engaged
involved in often constant activity
a boss who is of the opinion that a working employee is a needed employee, as idleness is a sign of dispensability
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in creating
to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)
this new drug can really work wonders
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in solving
to find an answer for through reasoning
finally figured out how to work the math problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in acting
to have a certain purpose
the human kidneys work as a filtering system for the blood
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in performing
to produce a desired effect
this headache remedy takes half an hour to work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in driving
to set or keep in motion
this pump is worked by hand
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in using
to control the mechanical operation of
show me how to work the machine
Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in laboring
to devote serious and sustained effort
the organization has worked for years to raise people's awareness of human rights issues
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in exploiting
to take unfair advantage of
a young boy who worked his aunt for all she was worth in toys and candy when she visited once a year
Synonyms & Similar Words
Cite this Entry
“Working.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/working. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
