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
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
Incorporating instrumentation like strings, woodwinds and upright bass, alongside his own work on piano, Hood succeeds in crafting a compelling album which also functions as a departure from the Truckers’ sonic palette. —Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Watch the video below to see how the team brings an old iPod Shuffle to life in MR, complete with functioning buttons and music that plays from it. —New Atlas, 2 Apr. 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
  • These events devastate local communities not just as the tragedy unfolds but in its aftermath.
    — Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 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
Definition of event
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
  • In addition to the missing sturdy bollards, which were under repair, the city’s portable steel barriers were in the down position during New Year’s celebrations, CNN previously reported.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of position
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
Definition of purpose
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
  • In 2013, Caro Quintero walked free after serving 28 years in prison.
    — Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of serve
Noun
  • In the Kirk podcast interview, Newsom broke with many in his party on the issue of transgender women in sports.
    — David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The parties banded together in the face of Trump’s designs on the territory.
    — Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of party
Noun
  • Our economic anchors — health care, professional services and public administration — continue to create jobs and opportunity.
    — Shelonda Stokes, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Since Tuesday, when the layoffs began, lawmakers, medical associations, research universities and state health agencies have scrambled to sort out which jobs were eliminated, and how to respond.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of job
Noun
  • Following his 2023 divorce from Crystal Renay, Ne-Yo has publicly embraced a new chapter, one in which monogamy no longer plays a role.
    — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Many of the region’s economies play key roles in international firms’ supply chains.
    — Chloe Taylor,Jenni Reid, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of role
Verb
  • Several senior agency leaders, including the chief human resources officer, acting commissioner and acting general counsel, have resigned or been demoted since January.
    — Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2025
  • In 1950, Vincent R. Impellitteri, who was serving as acting mayor, won an upset independent bid after failing to win the nomination of the Manhattan Democratic machine, known as Tammany Hall.
    — Maya King, New York Times, 4 Apr. 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 19 Apr. 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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