employment

noun

im-ˈplȯi-mənt How to pronounce employment (audio)
Definition of employmentnext
1
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
2
as in profession
the activity by which one regularly makes a living his regular employment is that of a restaurant waiter, but he always identifies himself as an actor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in employ
the state of being provided with a paying job the parents tried to convey to their adult son the joys of steady employment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 However, the Fed is charged with keeping inflation anchored with full employment. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025 Under 30 Europe lister Jenk Oz published a report last month on how companies today can approach the most prevalent educational and employment changes. —Zoya Hasan, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 According to officials, 11 of the 13 attendees of that meeting accepted social services for mental health, employment, and housing. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025 The effect on employment — both short term and long term Amid uncertainties, some companies are already pausing their hiring. —Tobias Burns, The Hill, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for employment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for employment
  1. use
  2. profession
  3. employ
  4. application
  5. occupation
  6. tenure
  7. exercise
  8. vocation
Noun
  • Despite prior use of violence by Hamas to crack down on demonstrations, the Hamas authorities in Gaza, so far, have not used similar violence to crack down on the current demonstrations.
    — Khalil Shikaki, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Decrypt reported that GameStop completed a $1.5 billion sale of convertible senior notes, with about $1.48 billion in net proceeds available for corporate use.
    — Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of use
Noun
  • Although her sister chose to follow their parents’ path and is now pursuing a law degree, Myers never felt drawn to that profession.
    — Michaela Zee, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Here are some professions that will likely feel less impact.
    — Kevin Williams, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of profession
Noun
  • His fortunes seemingly reverse when he’s brought into the employ of Mr. Tobler, an inventor whose no-nonsense protocol sets in motion this riveting character drama from Wilhelm and Anka Sasnal, adapted from a 1908 Robert Walser novel.
    — Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Lowe’s employs about 300,000 people, mostly hourly.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of employ
Noun
  • The university has already received more than 150 applications, according to a public relations agency representing the university.
    — Chandelis Duster, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Click and drag unused applications to the Trash icon in the dock.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of application
Noun
  • These aren't colonial outposts but partnerships built on mutual interests, allowing the U.S. to project power, deter adversaries, and shape global security without the need for war or occupation.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • More than 50,000 people, including thousands of children, have been killed in Israel’s offensive in Gaza, according to the local Health Ministry in the enclave, which has been run by Hamas since 2007 after Israel ended its 38-year occupation.
    — Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of occupation
Noun
  • Leonard has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, especially during his Clippers tenure.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Larson has spent much of his long tenure in the House trying to protect Social Security.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of tenure
Noun
  • When passenger train service ended in 1967, town officials set up offices in the station before converting it into a senior community center with a kitchen where elderly residents prepare meals, play cards, dance, and exercise.
    — Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2025
  • My friends in the French Air Force tell me (by Signal obviously) that last Tuesday’s ‘Poker 2025’ nuclear attack exercise went off well.
    — Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of exercise
Noun
  • Her vocation requires the skill of transformation and self-abnegation, as well as a receptiveness to language and emotion not her own.
    — Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
  • They were reminded, over and over, that their job was a vocation, one with a professional code: No matter who the passengers were, flight attendants were in charge of the cabin, responsible for safety in the air.
    — McKenzie Funk, ProPublica, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of vocation

Browse Nearby Words

employing
employment
employments
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Cite this Entry

“Employment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/employment. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on employment

Nglish: Translation of employment for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about employment

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