OFFICE Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'office' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of office are duty , function , and province . While all these words mean "the acts or operations expected of a person or thing," 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

Q: In what contexts can 'duty' take the place of 'office'?

While the synonyms duty and office are close in meaning, 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'function' instead of 'office'?

While in some cases nearly identical to office , 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

Q: When could 'province' be used to replace 'office'?

The meanings of province and office largely overlap; however, 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

office

noun

ˈä-fəs

Definition of office

as in department

a large unit of a governmental, business, or educational organization the company's main office is in Atlanta

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in duty

something one must do because of prior agreement one of the chief offices of a friend is to be there in someone's hour of need

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word office distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of office are duty, function, and province. While all these words mean "the acts or operations expected of a person or thing," 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

In what contexts can duty take the place of office?

While the synonyms duty and office are close in meaning, 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 it sensible to use function instead of office?

While in some cases nearly identical to office, 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

When could province be used to replace office?

The meanings of province and office largely overlap; however, 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 office The governor’s office has also touted California’s progress in taking part in national retail crime operations, knowing that such crimes often span multiple states. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 An office building requires balancing professional environments with operational efficiency and long-term capital planning. — David Crown, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The relaxed silhouette and slightly undone styling gave the classic office look a striking edge. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026 Hoskins has repeatedly used the powers of his office to block the referendum ahead of the 2026 midterms and has recently taken to social media to boast about the case. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for office

Recent Examples of Synonyms for office

Noun

Additionally, the department has been coordinating with the Nepali government to assist with the rescue effort.

— Isabel Danzis, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
The department did not immediately respond to The Bee’s request for comment.

— Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of department

Noun

The two agencies notified several individuals in the Virginia political world that their phones had been tapped as part of the investigation into Lucas.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026
While more than 100 law enforcement agencies across the country have ended their contracts with Flock Safety in recent weeks over privacy concerns, the company and the state of Georgia are deeply tied to one another.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of agency

Noun

Handle one visible fix, share one responsibility, or set up tomorrow’s essentials.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
For smaller practices, the development of digital outreach often takes place alongside patient care and routine administrative responsibilities.

— Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of responsibility

Noun

The lighter touch appears, so far, to be a hallmark of the Vought-era bureau.

— Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026
For former Census Bureau Director Robert Santos, a Biden nominee, the close timing of the policy revision and the bureau's release of an unauthored report with claims about noncitizen voting is striking.

— Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of bureau

Noun

After a tumultuous year, California lawmakers sent several important energy and environment bills to the governor’s desk in the final hours of the legislative session.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
But Ed Zitron has arrived at the broadcast desk in a charcoal gray T-shirt.

— Jack Holmes, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of desk

Noun

Errands, chores, or work needs may bump against your desire for ease, beauty, or personal space.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
The various configurations allow the property to accommodate a range of needs, budgets, and even levels of privacy, making the experience that much more customizable.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of need

Cite this Entry

Style

“Office.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/office. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of office

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noun

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