1
as in works (for)
to be a servant for
he served his master faithfully for 20 years
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
3
4
as in treats
to behave toward in a stated way
my parents served me well in preparing me for life
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
6
as in benefits
to provide with something useful or desirable
an excellent college that served her with the skills necessary to make it in today's job market
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of serves
The company said Meg O'Neill, who currently serves as CEO of Australian gas giant Woodside Energy, will assume the role as BP chief executive from April 1, taking the reins from Murray Auchincloss.
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Sam Meredith, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026
The mayor serves alongside eight city council members who represent each of Oklahoma City's eight wards.
—Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 14 Jan. 2026
The next-generation input device brand serves creators and professionals who spend hours at their desks.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026
The series was created for television by David E Kelley, who serves as an executive producer, and developed for television by Ted Humphrey, who serves as co-showrunner and executive producer alongside Dailyn Rodriguez.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026
The Alameda Unified School District said parents of students from the Woodstock Child Development Center, which serves kids from 18 months to 11 years old, should pick up their students at Paden Elementary School at 444 Central Avenue.
—Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
Brightline is the only private provider of intercity passenger rail services in America and serves Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando, the statement said.
—Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
According to her bio on Cooley’s website, Hartnett serves as a trial and appellate advocate and has done work on a variety of issues including LGBTQ+ equality, civil rights and criminal justice.
—Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 11 Jan. 2026
Skeeter, 36, serves as the Hornets’ player development coach and is also the primary person who works extremely closely with star guard LaMelo Ball.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serves
Verb
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No single material suffices to replicate that distinctive human texture.—
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And, if identity suffices in defining the art work, what else about it is overlooked along that way?—
Verb
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Because that’s what Lidia does.—
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And so does NBCUniversal, which will air all three events on NBC and its streaming service Peacock.—
Verb
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Innovation District before Lebanon Utilities treats the water and returns it south.—
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Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform Serum At night, Aniston treats her skin with a dose of retinol, specifically the Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum.—
Verb
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Additionally, hometown hero and skier Gus Kenworthy acts as host for the entire week, which features events like the blow-out White Party, a drag and burlesque show with both national and local talent, and the Glitter Ball where anything that sparkles is in fashion.—
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Every month of uncertainty acts as a silent tax on competitiveness, eroding the confidence that keeps investment flowing through places like San Diego, Monterrey and Toronto.—
Verb
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Here, perched on the Atlantic, Miami can offer a rich variety of seafood straight from the ocean, as well as farm fresh produce which benefits from a long, sunny growing season.—
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Remember, the entire body also benefits from simple everyday movements—taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking instead of driving, and even shopping in-person instead of ordering online—and the benefits of regular exercise for all aspects of health can’t be understated.—
Verb
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Steve stays in Hawkins to become a Little League coach, Nancy drops out of Emerson College to take a job at The Herald in Boston, and Robin attends Smith College.—
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If your grandchild attends one of these schools and receives financial aid, check with the school’s financial aid office about how your generosity could affect their aid package.—
Verb
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Eric handles the role of the older Simms, while Finn plays the character in flashback scenes — including a jarring opening sequence of him in action.—
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Kaufmann was first elected to the Iowa House in 2012 and previously served as the chair of the Ways and Means Committee, which handles tax policy.—
Verb
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There’s a far more profound joy in touching machines, as is shown again and again in Albert Birney’s Obex, which functions as both a shrine to and warning about our reliance on technology.—
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Aside from serving as a convenient storage spot, the ottoman also functions as a footrest, a seat, and a side table.—
Cite this Entry
“Serves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serves. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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