Function
Function noun - The action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists.
Usage example: that machine's function is to sort bolts by size
Purpose is a synonym for function in capacity topic. In some cases you can use "Purpose" instead a noun "Function", when it comes to topics like address, duty, assignment, do. popular alternative
Purpose
Purpose noun - The action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists.
Usage example: still trying to discover her purpose in life
Function is a synonym for purpose in intention topic. You can use "Function" instead a noun "Purpose", if it concerns topics such as address, duty, reason, use. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
How words are described
| exact | exact function | exact purpose |
| similar | similar function | similar purpose |
| specific | specific function | specific purpose |
| original | original function | original purpose |
| Other adjectives: true, single, actual, entire, real, little, main, practical, new, useful, sole, apparent, secondary, primary, unknown, basic, intended, different, higher. | ||
Both words in one sentence
- Casey and Andy can build anything that does anything, as long as you describe it as a "[main purpose or function]-o-mat".
Source: Impossible Genius - Programs see Isos as having no purpose or function, taking up valuable resources and contributing nothing back.
Source: Fantastic Racism / Fan Fics -
The Meaning of Life: In the episode "The Offspring," the android Data constructs a "daughter" named Lal who asks him what her purpose or function is.
Cite this Source
Purpose and Function. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/function/purpose
Function & Purpose. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/function/purpose>.
Purpose or Function. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/function/purpose.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "function" and "purpose" have occurred on timeline