Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Work” — 19 Other Ways to Say It
The job you do and tasks you must complete.
Meanings of Work — Pick the Sense You Need
Work has 5 common meanings. The synonyms below are grouped by meaning so you can jump straight to the sense you need.
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Meaning #1
as a noun
The job you do and tasks you must complete.
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Meaning #2
as a noun
The place where you go to do your job.
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Meaning #3
as a verb
Do your job or tasks in exchange for pay.
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Meaning #4
as a verb
Do what you are supposed to do; operate correctly.
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Meaning #5
as a noun
Something created by effort, like art, music, or writing.
How to Pronounce Work
IPA: /wɜːrk/ Stress: O
Same as verb: /wɜːrk/, rhymes with 'shirt'.
4 Synonyms for Work (Meaning #1 — as a noun)
These synonyms work when you use work as a noun. Meaning: The job you do and tasks you must complete.
task
/tɑːsk/Work you need to finish.
Example: My task is to clean the kitchen.
job
/dʒɑːb/Work that you do regularly in exchange for money; your profession or occupation.
Example: She got a new job at the hospital last month.
duty
/ˈdjuːti/Something you must or should do because it is your responsibility.
Example: It is my duty to help my family.
labor
/ˈleɪbər/Hard work or effort; or the people who work in jobs and factories (as a group or class).
Example: The construction project required months of labor from the team.
4 Synonyms for Work (Meaning #2 — as a noun)
These synonyms work when you use work as a noun. Meaning: The place where you go to do your job.
office
/ˈɔːfɪs/A place where people work, usually with desks and computers.
Example: She works in an office in the city.
4 Synonyms for Work (Meaning #3 — as a verb)
These synonyms work when you use work as a verb. Meaning: Do your job or tasks in exchange for pay.
labor
/ˈleɪbər/Hard work or effort; or the people who work in jobs and factories (as a group or class).
Example: The construction project required months of labor from the team.
earn
/ɜːn/To get money by working, or to gain something through effort.
Example: She earns $50,000 per year as a nurse.
4 Synonyms for Work (Meaning #4 — as a verb)
These synonyms work when you use work as a verb. Meaning: Do what you are supposed to do; operate correctly.
function
/ˈfʌŋkʃən/To do what something is made for; to work or operate correctly.
Example: The new system functions very well in our office.
operate
/ˈɑpəreɪt/To make something work or function; to use or run a machine or device.
Example: The new factory operates twenty-four hours a day.
run
/rʌn/To go fast using your legs, with brief moments where neither foot touches the ground.
Example: I run every morning before work.
succeed
/səkˈsiːd/To reach your goal or do what you tried to do; to do well at something.
Example: If you work hard, you will succeed in your goals.
4 Synonyms for Work (Meaning #5 — as a noun)
These synonyms work when you use work as a noun. Meaning: Something created by effort, like art, music, or writing.
creation
/kriˈeɪʃən/Something that has been made or invented; the act of making something new.
Example: The creation of the internet changed the world.
piece
/piːs/A single part that you get when you break or cut something larger into smaller parts.
Example: Please cut the bread into smaller pieces.
composition
/ˌkɑːmpəˈzɪʃən/What something is made of and how those parts fit together. Or, a piece of music, art, or writing that someone created.
Example: The composition of the soil affects the types of plants that can grow.
product
/ˈprɒdʌkt/A thing produced or manufactured, usually to be sold to customers.
Example: This product is made in our factory.
Smart Synonyms for Work — When to Use Each
task
specific piece of work to complete
labor
physical or hard work
job
piece of work or position
Antonyms of Work — Opposite Words
How to Use Work and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- I have a lot of work to do today. A1
- Finish your work before you leave. A2
- The work is demanding but rewarding. B1
- I go to work by bus. A1
- She left work early today. A2
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Work
What is another word for "work"?
Common synonyms for "work" include: task, job, duty, labor, workplace.
What can I say instead of "work"?
Try one of these alternatives: task, job, duty, labor, workplace. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "work" formal or informal?
"work" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "work" instead of "task"?
Use "work" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "task" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "work"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "work" include: rest, leisure, home, fail, break.