Definitions

social service

NOUN

social work

Synonyms

WEAK

casework community service free school lunch good works government-provided services relief social welfare support services welfare welfare work

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.

Counties must invest in pretrial alternatives—such as treatment programs, monitoring, and social service referrals—to provide judges with options beyond money bail or detention.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Although CPS is a social service agency, it has a lot of overlap with the criminal justice system.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2025

“What social service programs are you going to have to decrease funding for?”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 11, 2024

Suga started his service last year and is working as a social service agent after being ruled unfit for regular combat duty.

From BBC • Aug. 7, 2024

They represented social service agencies in the United States and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

From "Lost Boy, Lost Girl" by John Bul Dau