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
Learn about diet, habitat, ecological role, structure and function. —Jake Richardson, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025 Fluconazole may also cause some severe side effects, including heart and liver function problems. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
Plano’s restaurant inspections function on a 100-point system: 100 points is considered a perfect score and 70 is considered extremely poor. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2025 Tarleton believes that Black Americans’ experiences with the real-estate industry explain why the privatization vote unfolded differently at St. James and at Southbridge, with race functioning as a kind of political education. —Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 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
  • Such violent celestial events may have left a clue in ancient rocks in the form of a rare element.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Tesla electric vehicles have become a popular target since billionaire CEO Elon Musk gave what some considered to be a Nazi salute during an inaugural event for President Donald Trump last November.
    — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • Its high back reclines to six different positions, and the wide armrests offer space and support that’s helpful while reading.
    — Clint Davis, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Market downturns, interest rate fluctuations, and economic recessions can impact investment returns, potentially weakening an insurer’s financial position.
    — True Tamplin, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of position
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
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • There have been no such concerns reported about Gadot, who has been very vocally pro-Israel and who served in the IDF.
    — Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The venture sits within Ketchup and will produce and acquire premium series, with Ketchup also serving as the U.S. distributor.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of serve
Noun
  • Is the issue with your party age or a lack of vision?
    — CBS News, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Then, when his management hit the sack around 2 a.m., Prince declared it time to party.
    — Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of party
Noun
  • The danger was obvious at Villa Park, but Justin did a better job of heading the danger away against Wolverhampton Wanderers at King Power Stadium just before Christmas… … until Wolves gathered up the second ball and Nelson Semedo clipped another high ball back into the box.
    — Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The venue will create 350 jobs at a base pay of $20 an hour.
    — Ryan Deto, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of job
Noun
  • The Financial Times reports that around 40 roles, or 7 percent of its staff, are expected to be eliminated through voluntary departures and hiring freezes.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • She is best known for her fan-favorite role of attorney Maxine Shaw in Yvette Lee Bowser’s beloved comedy series Living Single.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of role
Verb
  • Reeves is John Wick, but that doesn't mean that the world that is currently being built around the famed assassin doesn't have others that could act as de facto John Wick.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Unlike in the House, where Republicans can act unilaterally to pass legislation, the Senate needs Democrats to pass a funding bill.
    — Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of act

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Cite this Entry

“Function.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/function. Accessed 25 Mar. 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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