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Definitions

serve

[surv] / sɜrv /
VERB
aid, help; supply
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deliver distribute give handle present provide
STRONG
arrange assist deal nurse oblige provision succor
WEAK
attend to be of assistance be of use care for dish up do for minister to set out wait on work for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
hold keep refrain take withhold
WEAK
receive refuse
VERB
act, do
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accept attend complete follow pass perform work
STRONG
agree discharge fulfill function hearken labor obey observe officiate subserve toil
WEAK
be employed by carry on go through
Antonyms
STRONGEST
deny disregard fail halt ignore neglect refuse stop
STRONG
idle laze miss
WEAK
receive refrain take
VERB
suffice; do the work of
Synonyms
STRONGEST
benefit do make work
STRONG
advantage answer apply avail content fit function profit satisfy service suit
WEAK
answer the purpose be acceptable be adequate be good enough be of use be useful do duty as fill the bill work for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
destroy fail idle lose
STRONG
anger displease dissatisfy upset
WEAK
receive refrain refuse take

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It all started in early March when Pulido’s opponent suggested the Democrat was better suited to entertain at parties than serve in Congress.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The American had looked to be heading for defeat after the 77th-ranked Burruchaga engineered a trio of match points while leading 5-3 on Paul's serve in the decisive third set.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Several have been pushed out after legal battles because they lack Senate confirmation to serve as U.S. attorneys.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

A strong debut from SpaceX could serve as a launchpad for many other giant unicorns to go public as well.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“Before the sharks...both of you will have to serve DETENTION!”

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.