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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
Its functions are demonstrated in the following video. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 21 Mar. 2025 Without a central agency, those functions could be fragmented or halted altogether, with consequences for both students and institutions. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
The highly informative cuneiform tablets not only shed light on the day-to-day goings on of how the empire functioned, but also conveys larger societal values like education and female leadership. Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 20 Mar. 2025 The next Starliner test flight would seek to confirm that the spacecraft's thrusters function properly after modifications were made to the vehicle's propulsion system, according to Stich. Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for function
Recent Examples of Synonyms for function
Noun
  • Vatican cardinals have stood in for him at events requiring his presence.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Visualize a grand display of rare artwork, luxe furniture, and fine decor—proper enough to host public events like funerals or weddings at times.
    Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • His rise is the third fastest by a position player since 1965.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • To help preview the season in their new market, which starts with a four-game series Thursday through Sunday in Seattle against the Mariners, here’s a look at the team’s position players.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The automation of jobs by AI could lead to widespread unemployment and economic inequality, leaving many people feeling powerless and without purpose.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • At that point, sunglasses lose their sine qua non purpose to protect our eyes, becoming a purely ornamental element capable of elevating an entire outfit.
    Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Cranial prostheses serve a similar purpose and should receive equal consideration.
    Nathan Kattapuram, Baltimore Sun, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Pete Marocco, a Trump administration political appointee who was serving as deputy head of USAID, disclosed the change in the email to State Department staff.
    Matt Brown and Ellen Knickmeyer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 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
  • For example: Department of Defense: Plans to eliminate up to 60,000 civilian jobs, representing a 5% to 8% reduction in its civilian workforce.
    Solange Charas, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Anyone who worked at that law firm would not be allowed to take a job in government.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The boycott also follows weeks of mounting global backlash against companies like Tesla, led by billionaire and Trump supporter Elon Musk, who has publicly aligned himself with far-right parties in Europe and taken an increasingly active role in the Trump administration.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Check out Painter throwing darts in the '24 AFL: And when Painter arrives, Suarez, who has excelled as a reliever, could get bumped to a relief role, which would tighten up one of the team’s weaker units, the bullpen (more on that in a bit).
    Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Strong antivirus software acts as a digital shield, safeguarding against potential infections that could compromise personal data or device security.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The new Staple store at 21 Mercer Street acts as a community hub, incubating culture for generations to come.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Function.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/function. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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