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

Relevance
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
Supports Bone Health Calcium is a mineral with a key role in bone formation, muscle function, nerve transmission (carrying messages between brain cells), hormone production, and more.3 Most calcium is found in the bones. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 21 May 2025 In this role, Lafleur will lead all commercial and brand functions, working in close partnership with founder and chief creative officer Ariane Goldman. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 21 May 2025
Verb
Read more: With hundreds fewer workers, can the Federal Student Aid office still function? —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 21 May 2025 The tool will function like a chatbot, allowing people to start a query, ask follow-up questions and use the company’s A.I. system to deliver comprehensive answers. —Tripp Mickle, New York Times, 20 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
  • This year’s event will be headlined by R&B heartthrob Mario and Hip-Hop vet Jadakiss with additional performances by house music icons and more.
    — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 21 May 2025
  • Implement Real-Time Security Observability • Employ real-time logging and monitoring in cloud environments to track security events.
    — Harini Shankar, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • A day after going 1-of-15 with runners in scoring position and leaving 13 on base, Florida had stranded 10 runners on base at the time of Holtorf’s homer.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 May 2025
  • Delray Beach commissioners and DDA board members may be in a unique position to find and cultivate future board members who represent the aforementioned.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2025
Definition of position
Noun
  • This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or cryptocurrency advice.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Inside were human skeletal remains which officials believe were deposited for ritual purposes before the site was abandoned, according to the release.
    — Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • After the crime While serving her sentence, Maje became pregnant by another inmate.
    — Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 30 May 2025
  • Grasslands, like those that dominate the eastern plains of Colorado, provide important habitat for wildlife and serve as a critical food source for livestock.
    — Matthew Sturchio, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Definition of serve
Noun
  • Cunha now has too much baggage and a fresh start is regarded as the best option for all parties.
    — Steve Madeley, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Garfield and Barbaro were first photographed together at W Magazine's Best Performances party in Los Angeles on Jan. 4.
    — Escher Walcott, People.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of party
Noun
  • Here’s a look at the life lessons the Thunderbirds have learned from their work that can apply to any job or life stage.
    — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 24 May 2025
  • One incentive to keep trying is the success of Naïma (Samia Hilmi), who is preparing to move with her child into their own flat and is on track to secure a job as a railway ticket inspector.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
Definition of job
Noun
  • If Matz resumes a hybrid role, having an effective Romero as the primary left-handed reliever will be vital.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 May 2025
  • Separatist worlds rebel The ex-Republic Intelligence agent Berch Teller attempts to betray the Empire from within but is foiled by Tarkin, whom the Emperor rewards with a promotion to Grand Moff and a new role supervising the construction of a superweapon above Geonosis.
    — Nick Romano, EW.com, 25 May 2025
Definition of role
Verb
  • These tools act as governance sentinels, standing guard at the frontier of change.
    — Shazia Manus, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Skarsgård has been acting since 1968, and in that time has seen the industry reshape itself around streaming, franchises, and finance.
    — Andy Hazel, IndieWire, 23 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 3 Jun. 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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