Another Word for Role: 10 Synonyms with Examples
A role is the job, function or position someone has, or a part in a play or film. Swap it to be more specific about responsibility, function or position.
As a noun: a function or job
As a noun: a character played by an actor
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- function
- The purpose something serves, often a thing rather than a person.
- position
- A job or rank within an organisation.
- part
- Informal; your share in an activity, as in "play a part".
- responsibility
- A duty you are accountable for.
- capacity
- Formal; the role in which someone acts: "in her capacity as chair".
- character
- The person an actor plays.
Example sentences
- function: The main function of the committee is to review complaints.
- position: He applied for the position of head chef.
- part: Parents play a big part in a child's reading habits.
- responsibility: Locking up at night is the manager's responsibility.
- capacity: She attended the meeting in her capacity as treasurer.
- character: The actor spent months learning about his character's job.
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “role”. Check the meaning before you use one.
noun: office, persona, purpose, use
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “role”?
The most useful alternatives are “function”, “position”, “job”, “part”, “duty”. For the main sense (a function or job), “function” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “function” and “position”?
function: The purpose something serves, often a thing rather than a person. position: A job or rank within an organisation.