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 Cullen took over the role of Eeyore in various Winnie-the-Pooh outings from 1988 to 2017. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026 Indigenous leaders played a prominent role in protests demanding the resignation of Porras and the peaceful transfer of power to Arévalo. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026 Fabares appeared widely on television in guest roles throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 In Practical Magic 2, Channing reprises her role as Aunt Frances Owens. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 27 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
  • Anthropic wanted assurance that its technology would not be used for fully autonomous weapons or domestic mass surveillance, and the DOD wanted Anthropic to grant the agency unfettered access to Claude across all lawful purposes.
    — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Thankfully, his reappearance in the show actually has a deeper purpose.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Bond yields Persistent inflation, tariffs and whipsawing gas prices are not the only obstacles complicating the task for the Fed.
    — Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Assign the task, organize the space, or clarify the expectation.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of task
Noun
  • It’s mainly centered on Billie, who is worried about an old Facebook post standing in the way of finding a job.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Do artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT eliminate jobs, create new ones, or both?
    — Jeffrey C. Dixon, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of job
Noun
  • If anything, the auto-playing dialogue functions a bit too fast, occasionally cutting off lines before the excellent voice talent can finish their deliveries.
    — Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The exhibit’s lessons in anatomy include explanations of bodily functions and why, for example, one lung is larger than the other in humans.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of function
Noun
  • This article is part of the Business of Influence series, examining the inner workings of content creation and how the industry is set to change in the years to come.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
  • These folks include my sister, two brothers and a beloved SIL, all who’ve been a loving part of our 41-year-old’s life since birth.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on role

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about role

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