works 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of work
1
2
3
as in serves
to have a certain purpose the human kidneys work as a filtering system for the blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in operates
to produce a desired effect this headache remedy takes half an hour to work

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
6
as in uses
to control the mechanical operation of show me how to work the machine

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7
8

works

2 of 2

noun

plural of work
as in factory
a building or set of buildings for the manufacturing of goods a glass works where high quality glassware is made

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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 works
Verb
That’s not how the numbering system works. Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026 The six-minute quasi-title track works as a centerpiece, its compressed qanun (a stringed Middle Eastern instrument, played here by the acclaimed Syrian musician Maya Youssef) looping in the background as electronic pulses, foreboding pianos, and disembodied voices swirl around the mix. Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026 Cooked amaranth has a slightly earthy, porridge-like texture that works well as a breakfast bowl with fruit and honey, as a rice substitute under curries and stews, or as a stuffing for roasted squash. Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 15 June 2026 The oven component is frequently placed underneath and works with the toasting component up top to evenly heat the interior for your baking needs. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 The rich finish and tailored detailing give it an understated sophistication that works especially well in offices, laundry rooms, and dressing rooms. Jaha Nailah Avery, Architectural Digest, 15 June 2026 Islam said Nightlight also works collaboratively with other state non-profits such as Harm Reduction Inc. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2026 Stiller works the camera courtside. Chelsea Stahl, NBC news, 9 June 2026 If that's what the market says Hamilton is worth as a driver and spokesman, great, that's how capitalism works. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026
Noun
Fling has not directed a mainstage show at Goodspeed before, but he’s been deeply involved in every production there since one of his roles is as a line producer overseeing all the shows not just at the Opera House but at Goodspeed’s space for new works, the Terris Theatre in Chester. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026 Gutierrez said the jury would not privilege any particular documentary form, but would prioritize works that communicate genuine emotion and connect with viewers. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 June 2026 Norwegian Epic’s real test is whether life onboard works. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 To scale our recipe accordingly, pour in 3 3/4 ounces each of light rum, vodka, tequila, whiskey, and gin, along with 2 1/2 ounces sorghum or cane syrup (simple syrup works too), 2 ounces lime juice, and 2 ounces lemon juice. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 13 June 2026 If images today have a way of eating up time, keeping our fingers scrolling, Hockney’s works might be said to give it back. Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 13 June 2026 The Best Food Combinations for Nutrient Absorption Not every pairing works against you. Allison Palmer updated June 13, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026 Partners have received works by Hans Memling, Rembrandt, van Dyck, Matisse, Cézanne, Degas, Georgia O’Keeffe, Alma Thomas, Mark Rothko, and so on. Greg Allen, ARTnews.com, 7 June 2026 Other works rely more heavily on easy sentiment. Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for works
Verb
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
  • There isn’t enough evidence yet to say Ozempic causes stomach paralysis.
    Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Replacing natural sand with coal waste solves two environmental headaches at once.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026
  • Thomas said that Pro solves a unique issue that institutional traders face in the prediction market space.
    Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Amasa, a Latin American steakhouse; Bar Amasa, the upstairs taqueria; and Bar Rocco, an Italian restaurant that also serves an elegant brunch, helmed by celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
  • In addition to its dozens of craft beers and cocktails available at each location, University of Beer serves classic bar fare and elevated takes on the cuisine.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • The company also operates skydiving companies out of Indianapolis and Rock County, Wisconsin.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026
  • Those economics become even more challenging because publishing still operates on a returns system that dates back to the Great Depression.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson moves the ball up court against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 14 June 2026
  • McConnell regularly moves about the Capitol in a wheelchair, often with the assistance of staff.
    Eric McDaniel, NPR, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • But someone willing to engage with Heather is Lisa, who uses this as an opening to talk about how Heather hurt her at Valter’s.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2025
  • Some medications can quietly affect how your body absorbs or uses specific nutrients.
    Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 9 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Jarring, shuddery close-ups illustrate the never-ending emotional spiral of its main character, Linda (Byrne), who struggles to raise a kid who has a chronic health issue while keeping her home and career stable.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2025
  • In particular, China struggles to manufacture the most advanced chips, putting it behind the world’s largest chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • This configuration exploits the boundary layer of air flowing over the airframe to increase efficiency.
    David Szondy June 14, New Atlas, 14 June 2026
  • But through patience and timing, the dog exploits the sheep’s own randomness to maneuver the flock.
    Rohini Subrahmanyam, Scientific American, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Works.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/works. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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