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function

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verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Brontë

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
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that helps support many body functions, including converting food into energy and supporting other metabolic processes. Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 11 Apr. 2025 Watch the video above to find out how layoffs at the IRS could affect the agency’s essential functions and what steps American taxpayers can take to ensure a smooth tax filing season. Jeff Huang, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
Some were given no toilet and no functioning faucet, or were expected to sleep on mats on concrete floors, in rooms where the lights never turned off. Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025 Short wars may present only temporary disruptions to a country’s economy and society and do not require extensive supply lines; long wars demand strategies for maintaining popular support, functioning economies, and secure ways to rearm, restock, and replenish troops. Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for function
Recent Examples of Synonyms for function
Noun
  • Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE , an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Volunteering with professional organizations or at industry events is another powerful way to demonstrate your skills, initiative, and passion for your field.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Hooper’s win over Guida and his matchup on Saturday position him to become something of a legend killer.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • How has that evolved, your position of looking on results as not necessarily successes or failures but merely outcomes?
    Staff Reports, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The name’s ironic on purpose—the app allows users to create, send, and receive anonymous voice messages in a celebrity’s tone.
    Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.
    Dr. Ronald Premuroso, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Parks also served as a campaign reporter for the network during the 2016 election cycle and was the first network reporter assigned to cover U.S Senator Bernie Sanders' bid for the White House.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Iconoclastic critic, art historian, and photographer Max Kozloff, who served as Artforum’s executive editor in the 1970s before turning to his own artistic practice, died on April 6.
    News Desk, Artforum, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Recruit followed Owen Hendricks (Centineo), a CIA lawyer, who becomes involved in massive international conflicts with dangerous parties after an asset tries to expose their relationship to the agency.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The outlet reported that Sanchez had two engagement parties – one in Beverly Hills and another in Positano, Italy.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Sure enough, in early 2024, PJ took a job as an avionics technician at Tinker.
    Jenni Carlson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Young people also admit that AI can do its job better than humans.
    Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Coach Scott Arniel likes to refer to him as a Swiss Army knife for his ability to play any role that the coaches ask of him.
    Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Canha is expected to hold a key role in the lineup.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Teaching candidates who go through a four-year degree program or a high-quality alternative certification program spend many hours in classrooms watching effective teachers working with students and acting as student teachers themselves.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Christidis’ complaint says Sanchez-Medina, while acting as KLIP’s attorney, held $625,000 of the real estate deal’s $1.4 million in his trust account, but never turned it over to Morgan.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Function.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/function. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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