FUNCTION Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

function 1 of 2

noun

ËˆfÉ™Å‹(k)-shÉ™n

Definition of function next

as in event

a social gathering made a brief appearance at the annual holiday function

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in position

an assignment at which one regularly works for pay what's your function in this company?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in role

the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists that machine's function is to sort bolts by size

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function

2 of 2

verb

as in to serve

to have a certain purpose the heart functions as a pump for the blood

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word function distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of function are duty, office, and province. While all these words mean "the acts or operations expected of a person or thing," function implies a definite end or purpose or a particular kind of work.

the function of language is two-fold: to communicate emotion and to give information — Aldous Huxley

In what contexts can duty take the place of function?

Although the words duty and function have much in common, duty applies to a task or responsibility imposed by one's occupation, rank, status, or calling.

it is the judicial duty of the court, to examine the whole case — R. B. Taney

When is office a more appropriate choice than function?

While in some cases nearly identical to function, office is typically applied to the function or service associated with a trade or profession or a special relationship to others.

they exercise the offices of the judge, the priest, the counsellor — W. E. Gladstone

When would province be a good substitute for function?

The words province and function can be used in similar contexts, but province applies to a function, office, or duty that naturally or logically falls to one.

I felt it was not my province to inquire — Anne BrontÃ«

How is the word function distinct from other similar nouns?

the function of language is two-fold: to communicate emotion and to give information — Aldous Huxley

In what contexts can duty take the place of function?

Although the words duty and function have much in common, duty applies to a task or responsibility imposed by one's occupation, rank, status, or calling.

it is the judicial duty of the court, to examine the whole case — R. B. Taney

When is office a more appropriate choice than function?

While in some cases nearly identical to function, office is typically applied to the function or service associated with a trade or profession or a special relationship to others.

they exercise the offices of the judge, the priest, the counsellor — W. E. Gladstone

When would province be a good substitute for function?

The words province and function can be used in similar contexts, but province applies to a function, office, or duty that naturally or logically falls to one.

I felt it was not my province to inquire — Anne BrontÃ«

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 function

Noun

For Zand, this is not an anecdote or an isolated irony, but a window into how the system itself functions. —

Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026 Organization officials said Manzoor was the person with control and responsibility for the invoicing and bookkeeping functions. —

Harry Harris, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026

Verb

Related Stories Duran asserted that Google TVâ€™s service can function as an app for microdrama producers who have not invested in their own tech and streaming architecture. —

Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026 But those fears belie a general misunderstanding of how a restaurant is supposed to function. —

Li Goldstein, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for function

Recent Examples of Synonyms for function

Noun

Almanac introduced the beer during a public event at its Alameda brewery on March 21.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
Since early February, residents of the Big Bend region have been outspoken about border wall plans â€” both on social media and through in-person events hosted in cities in Brewster and Presidio counties.

— Lexi Salazar, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026