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 And yet, this unlicensed, or bootleg, merchandise is a signature stitch in the fabric of fandom, one that fills an integral role in the live entertainment ecosystem. — Matt Martell, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026 For an actress whose biggest role to date hinged on big emotions, that meant finding a role that was more restrained, more internal, more pragmatic. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026 The result is a rogues’ gallery of Murphy regulars reprising multiple roles, including Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, and Jessica Lange. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026 Models will change, prices will change, and roles that make sense today may look unnecessarily narrow a year from now. — Arthur Azizov, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for role
Recent Examples of Synonyms for role
  1. purpose
  2. task
  3. job
  4. function
  5. part
Noun
  • Other independents in the Senate, including Maine's Angus King on the moderate end and Vermont's Bernie Sanders on the left, caucus with Democrats for organizational purposes and committee assignments.
    — NICHOLAS INGRAM, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • These varietals are not only tolerant to the high desert environment, but they were also planted with the sole purpose of conserving water and controlling run-off.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Manus could ultimately aim for a public listing but the more imminent task would be revamping its business and ownership structure to prove profitability and align with Beijing's regulatory requirement, analysts say.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Everyone is encouraged to use their voice, Punsalan says, and the prioritization of tasks begins by listening to employees.
    — Tamlin Magee, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of task
Noun
  • Her first job as CEO in 2014 was to remake the century-old company’s corporate culture and regain customers’ trust following a tragic, reputation-wrecking ignition-switch crisis.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But when Angus shows up at Johnny’s job and makes fun of him in front of all his corporate-jerk friends, Johnny stands up for himself via a right hook.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of job
Noun
  • To find the proof for zeta(3), Apéry sandwiched the function between two infinite series that converged at just the right speed to ensure zeta(3) must be irrational.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The effect is a perfectly personal home for two people who wanted fantasy, but not at the cost of function.
    — Camille Okhio, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of function
Noun
  • As of now, Bryan is still scheduled to return to Gillette stadium on Saturday evening as part of his sold-out With Heaven On Tour.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The alerts have become an increasingly familiar part of life near the border.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about role

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