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
The legal stakes are especially high for Google amid predictions that AI tools will take over some of the functions of search engines. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 9 May 2025 Both setting powder and setting spray extend the longevity of your finished look, but setting powders and setting sprays function differently. —Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 8 May 2025
Verb
The Healthspan feature, for example, uses nine different metrics related to your long-term health to calculate your physiological age, which is an indicator of how well your body is functioning compared with your actual age. —Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 8 May 2025 In 2015, John Wang abandoned his a career in law to create a new (for New York) kind of dining experience, one modeled after Asia’s clamorous night markets, which function as both gathering places and bazaars. —New York Times, 7 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 week had included finals, pre-graduation events and students moving out of the dorms.
    — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Religion notes are open to any group wanting to publicize a special event.
    — Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 10 May 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pushed a more uncompromising position on the contested land.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
  • The Rafael Devers-Red Sox saga I’ve been surprised by Devers’ reactions every time he’s been asked to change positions.
    — Jim Bowden, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Definition of position
Noun
  • His purpose was to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the genocide and advocate for the release of 23 hostages detained in Azerbaijan.
    — Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • The screen served different purposes at different junctures.
    — Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • Sail-away parties are often held when departing destinations, like a variety of personal pizzas being served while leaving Naples, Italy.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Alexander Hamilton is first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, serving until 1795.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025
Definition of serve
Noun
  • The military, an institution with a loyalty to the Constitution and no political party, is balancing new political challenges this time.
    — Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Still, prosecutors have not outlined his potential motive, and a sweeping gag order has kept the parties from speaking publicly, making each pretrial hearing an opportunity to quench the public’s thirst to learn more details.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
Definition of party
Noun
  • Speaking to thousands of members of the media from around the world who covered his election and the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo also called for the release of reporters jailed for doing their jobs.
    — Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • First announced in 2022, the project is expected to involve an investment of 7.6 billion euros ($8.5 billion) and create almost 10,000 local jobs when completed.
    — Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Definition of job
Noun
  • Brissett, who started the first five games of the season, is now gone, which frees up Maye to take on a more commanding leadership role.
    — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 13 May 2025
  • Longevity in past roles can be a strong indicator of someone's ability to adapt and grow within your organization.
    — Michael DeCesare, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Definition of role
Verb
  • His company also wrote her a recommendation letter to an acting school.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
  • Earlier in the day, Trump had appointed Ed Martin, a conservative activist and lawyer from Missouri, as the acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
    — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 11 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 24 May. 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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