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function

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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
Some were given no toilet and no functioning faucet, or were expected to sleep on mats on concrete floors, in rooms where the lights never turned off. Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025 Short wars may present only temporary disruptions to a country’s economy and society and do not require extensive supply lines; long wars demand strategies for maintaining popular support, functioning economies, and secure ways to rearm, restock, and replenish troops. Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for function
Recent Examples of Synonyms for function
Noun
  • Wednesday will mark 100 years since the first passenger train arrived at the Boise Depot, and the city is celebrating the landmark with four days of events.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The reporter on this story received access to this event from MSC Cruises.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The government says that the judge should order Google to stop making third-party payments to phone makers like Apple that ensure its default search position.
    John Ruwitch, NPR, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Those details shared in the second chat included the flight schedules for the F/A-18 Hornets involved in the pending attack on Houthi positions, according to the officials.
    Luis Martinez, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2025
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
  • Each edge of this triangle-esque tool serves a unique purpose: a smooth, long side for sweeping over wider areas like calves, arms, and thighs; a precision tip for targeted acupressure; and a ridged edge for digging into tense tissue.
    Allure, Allure, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • His father, who has also served significant time in prison, explained the emotional weight of watching his son endure a similar experience.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The proceeds from sales will go toward summer camps and mission trips for middle and high school youth, who often serve as volunteers with their parents, Castro said.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Or more commonly known (if it’s commonly known?) as a placenta party.
    Danielle Pergament, Allure, 21 Apr. 2025
  • When a drug bust at a party attended by high-profile second-generation VIPs leads to a dangerous conspiracy, the yadang must fight to survive.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Sure enough, in early 2024, PJ took a job as an avionics technician at Tinker.
    Jenni Carlson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The premise alone is perfectly thrilling: Four men take a job driving explosive nitroglycerin over a mountain pass.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Coach Scott Arniel likes to refer to him as a Swiss Army knife for his ability to play any role that the coaches ask of him.
    Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Canha is expected to hold a key role in the lineup.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • How to act during strong winds Take shelter: Immediately go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Alongside Fallon, Saint John will act as the On Brand Agency's Chief Marketing Officer.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Function.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/function. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on function

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