function 1 of 2

noun

ˈfəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce function (audio)
Definition of functionnext
1
as in event
a social gathering made a brief appearance at the annual holiday function

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
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
3
as in purpose
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

function

2 of 2

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
One ounce of cheddar cheese covers 15% of your daily needs for calcium, a mineral that provides structure to the bones and teeth and is required for nerve and muscle function, hormone secretion, and healthy blood flow.1617 8. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 2 June 2025 Genital reconstruction surgery can ease survivors’ pain, but can also make clitoral function worse, the World Health Organization says. —Nariman El-Mofty Nariman El-Mofty, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
Read more: With hundreds fewer workers, can the Federal Student Aid office still function? —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 21 May 2025 The tool will function like a chatbot, allowing people to start a query, ask follow-up questions and use the company’s A.I. system to deliver comprehensive answers. —Tripp Mickle, New York Times, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for function
Recent Examples of Synonyms for function
  1. event
  2. position
  3. purpose
  4. serve
  5. party
  6. job
  7. role
  8. act
Noun
  • The International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), one of the oldest and most prestigious annual global spirit judging events, just released the results for their 2025 event.
    — Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Before Emmy voting begins, networks and studios host FYC (For Your Consideration) events to showcase their work, usually through screenings and meet-and-greets with stars in Los Angeles.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • Delray Beach commissioners and DDA board members may be in a unique position to find and cultivate future board members who represent the aforementioned.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2025
  • But the authors found that this advantage when under static compression proved to be a disadvantage when dropping eggs from a height, with the horizontal position emerging as the optimal orientation.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 26 May 2025
Definition of position
Noun
  • This was still wild country, and Fuller set off with the express purpose of producing a book about her journey.
    — James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
  • These rituals included a physical action, an emotional expression and a shared sense of purpose.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • Grasslands, like those that dominate the eastern plains of Colorado, provide important habitat for wildlife and serve as a critical food source for livestock.
    — Matthew Sturchio, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
  • This requirement effectively limits poll worker eligibility to U.S. citizens and excludes most noncitizens, with a few exceptions, such as high school students serving as student poll workers under supervision.
    — Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Definition of serve
Noun
  • Cunha now has too much baggage and a fresh start is regarded as the best option for all parties.
    — Steve Madeley, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Garfield and Barbaro were first photographed together at W Magazine's Best Performances party in Los Angeles on Jan. 4.
    — Escher Walcott, People.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of party
Noun
  • Here’s a look at the life lessons the Thunderbirds have learned from their work that can apply to any job or life stage.
    — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 24 May 2025
  • In addition, many of the job posted on giant job boards are out-of-date or ghost jobs, posted for a variety of reasons including EEO and creating the public perception that the company is thriving.
    — Rebecca Fraser-Thill, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of job
Noun
  • If Matz resumes a hybrid role, having an effective Romero as the primary left-handed reliever will be vital.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 May 2025
  • This reflects the leader’s role in narrative construction, a central principle in sensemaking theory.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Definition of role
Verb
  • These tools act as governance sentinels, standing guard at the frontier of change.
    — Shazia Manus, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Skarsgård has been acting since 1968, and in that time has seen the industry reshape itself around streaming, franchises, and finance.
    — Andy Hazel, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
Definition of act

Browse Nearby Words

fun and games
function
functional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Function.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/function. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on function

Nglish: Translation of function for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about function

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