role

noun

ˈrōl How to pronounce role (audio)
variants also rôle
Definition of rolenext
as in purpose
the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists studying the role of sunlight in the body's production of vitamin D

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 role Getting the role wasn’t any sort of immediate windfall either. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 Growing evidence suggests that the gut also contains diverse populations of neurons with distinct roles. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026 The main reason China has been able to play this role is Washington’s lack of follow-up on sanctions, according to energy analyst Kjell Eikland, director of Eikland Energy AS. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 Given the signing of Guimaraes, what roles can Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze expect to play this season? — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for role
Recent Examples of Synonyms for role
  1. purpose
  2. task
  3. job
  4. function
  5. part
Noun
  • But, rather than demolish the historic bridge, it was preserved and given a new purpose.
    — Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The purpose of the RIMPAC demonstration was to showcase a new artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) sonar processing system called SensorMAX.
    — David Szondy August 12, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • The machine is programmed in advance, allowing landscapers to complete other tasks, such as trimming and cleanup, while the mower cuts the grass.
    — Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Virgo Moon moves through your 6th House of Work and Wellness, making tasks, health habits, and schedules more noticeable.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of task
Noun
  • The Republican nominee also said the work agreements that allow many state employees to perform their jobs remotely need reform as well.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In 2004, Norris took a job as an editorial manager of publications at the Joint Commission in Oakbrook Terrace.
    — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of job
Noun
  • The device, called a programmable dynamic memtransistor (PDM), combines the memory function of a storage device with the computing function of a transistor.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Aug. 2026
  • For companies that have to hire a handful of new workers every year across 20 or 50 departments or functions, the math doesn’t work.
    — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of function
Noun
  • Eovaldi's move to the IL comes after the activations of left-handers Cody Bradford and Jordan Montgomery, who, like Eovaldi, were part of the Rangers' World Series championship team in 2023.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Quincy’s Hispanic population increased from 37% in 1990 to around 75%, and a large migrant farmworker population also works there part of the year.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of part

Phrases Containing role

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roisters
role
role model
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Cite this Entry

“Role.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/role. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on role

Nglish: Translation of role for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about role

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