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as in use
the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose the employment of the kitchen oven as a storage cupboard had predictably disastrous results

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun employment differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of employment are business, calling, métier, occupation, pursuit, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

When is business a more appropriate choice than employment?

While in some cases nearly identical to employment, business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

When would calling be a good substitute for employment?

In some situations, the words calling and employment are roughly equivalent. However, calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

When can métier be used instead of employment?

The meanings of métier and employment largely overlap; however, métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

In what contexts can occupation take the place of employment?

While the synonyms occupation and employment are close in meaning, occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

When is it sensible to use pursuit instead of employment?

The words pursuit and employment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

When might work be a better fit than employment?

Although the words work and employment have much in common, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

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 employment Democrats, unions and liberal groups criticized him for his remarks against workplace protections such as the minimum wage and overtime rules, and conservative publications seized on Mr. Puzder’s employment of an undocumented immigrant as his housekeeper. Chris Cameron, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 Formerly a nutritional educator for seniors, Morales was unable to find employment. Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025 During the drive, Johns, a Sabah native, told us that guiding had become an attractive employment option on the island, particularly for people of modest means. Mihir Zaveri, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025 By far, the biggest asterisk to the employment landscape in 2025 is the impact of policies enacted by the incoming Trump administration. Jill Schlesinger, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for employment 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for employment
Noun
  • Expert instructors will teach you how to get started, practical uses, tips for effective prompt-writing and mistakes to avoid.
    Mike Winters, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Jokinen said Gem collaborates with brands that are promoting the use of secondhand.
    Sharon Edelson, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • With programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the new Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, individuals in qualifying professions or financial situations can reduce or eliminate their debt.
    Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Using her profession and platform for good has been a continuous theme of Beattie’s career.
    Ali Rampling, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The farm and ranch employs between 20 and 40 workers, depending on the season.
    Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, The Denver Post, 30 Dec. 2024
  • From morning until night, the men under Gi-Hun’s employ scour the city’s subway platforms for the recruiter (Gong Yoo) — the handsome, besuited man who lures downtrodden folks to their (almost certain) death with a simple game of ddakji.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Interested filmmakers and investors are encouraged to consult the guidelines available on the FDC website for detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Many Philly landlords are offering move-in specials, waiving application fees and reducing deposits to attract renters, Zumper's Crystal Chen tells Axios.
    Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • However, as Margulis tells Haaretz’s Ruth Schuster, the site’s first human occupation may have occurred some 6,000 years ago, during the Chalcolithic era, or the Copper Age.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Jan. 2025
  • In the near-cashless realms of Sweden and Norway, some are calling for rethink about electronic payments because of resurgent fears about Russian invasion either through physical occupation of territory or via a cyber assault and suggesting that citizens need to keep cash at home.
    David G.W. Birch, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The broadcast then cut to a pre-taped message by former Queen of Daytime, Oprah Winfrey, who congratulated O’Donnell on her tenure, then narrated highlight reel featuring interviews with everyone from Pope Francis to Dolly Parton.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The tumble was clearly all in good fun for Seacrest, who is hitting his stride now five months into his tenure as host of the show.
    Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Gemini [archival audio]: Key body-weight exercises, squats, stand with feet shoulder-width apart, lower your hips as if sitting in a chair, keeping your back straight and chest up.
    Lauren Goode, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The researchers found that increased levels of aerobic exercise in the aging rats reduced the appearance of these markers, indicating a slower onset of Alzheimer's.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • One vocation takeaway for Osborn was McLaurin’s eye discipline when catching a football.
    Ben Standig, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
  • However, Segedin’s father remained unpersuaded of his son’s preference for vocation.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near employment

Cite this Entry

“Employment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/employment. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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