Serve Synonym Guide — Definition, Antonyms & Examples

Serve means “to perform or carry out activities for another person or organization.” What’s a synonym for serve? This article is a valuable resource that explores the synonyms and antonyms for the term ‘serve.’

The Definition of Serve

‘Serve’ is a verb borrowed from Old French servir, Latin serviō (“be a slave; serve”), Latin servus (“slave; servant”), and from Proto-Indo-European *ser- (“watch over, protect”). The verb takes the following forms: simple present – serves, present participle – serving, simple past and past participle – served.

Serve means:

• To provide a service (especially food or drink). The waiter was supposed to serve the food earlier.
• To labor for a person or an organization; to perform a public obligation. I serve at that bank over there currently.
• To perform the duties of a servant. I have vowed to serve my master to my very last days.

Sentence Examples

• Most leaders don’t understand governance, they think they are to be served, unknown to them, they are to serve.
• Could you please serve everybody the same sauce?
• I will serve the nation with all my might if elected.
• The instrument serves no useful purpose, get rid of it.
• Please get me someone who would serve my grandmother.
• The new hospital will serve the whole community.
• I am dedicated to serving the committee for the next four years.
• My mother serves the incumbent government.
• As soldiers, we are expected to serve our country, come rain, come sunshine.
• The lawyer is going to serve you your tenancy agreement within the week.
• You were employed to serve my household, and that you couldn’t do.
• The newly commissioned officers are to serve the nation for 35 years.
• I think you should get a car that will serve your transportation needs.
• The inmate was sentenced to serve in prison for 2 years with hard labor.

Synonym for Serve — Exploring words with Similar Meanings

Synonyms for ‘serve’ include perform duties for, function as, carry out, succor, aid, handle, act as, give assistance to, and obey. Other terms related to serve are: discharge, be of use to, and answer to.

1. Work for

‘Work’ is borrowed from Middle English werk, Old English weorc, and Proto-Germanic *werką. The phrase connotes carrying out duties on behalf of a person or an organization.

• You obliged to work for the company, so why are you complaining?

2. Perform duties for

Perform originates from Middle English performen (“to perform”), and Anglo-Norman performer. To ‘perform duties for’ entails carrying out activities for a person or an organization.

• Damien has vowed to perform duties for the organization faithfully.
• It’s only because of the regard I have for that man, that’s why I still perform duties for him.
• The mechanic is always prompt to perform duties for his clients.

3. Function as

Function originates from Middle French function, Old French fonction, and Latin functiō (“performance, execution”). ‘Function as’ signifies serving in a certain capacity.

• You are to function as the Head of Department for a period of two years.
• The organization placed him in a position to function as a manager and a supervisor.
• I was asked to function as the Manager Director until Damien gets better.

4. Carry Out

The phrasal verb entails undertaking an assignment on behalf of an organization or a person.

• Those hoodlums were sent to carry out the attack.
• I was asked to carry out research on the topic ‘the Effect of Drug Abuse on Youths.’

5. Succor

Succor – “to give assistance to” – can be traced to Middle English socouren (“to help”), Anglo-Norman socure and Latin succurrēre.

• They gave succor to the victims of the plane crash.
• The foundation gave succor and strength to those who were physically challenged.

Antonyms for Serve — Exploring Words with Opposite Meanings

1. Forsake

‘Forsake’ is from Middle English forsaken (“withdraw allegiance from), Old English forsacan (“to oppose; to give up, renounce”), and Proto-West Germanic *frasakan (“renounce”). Forsake means to withdraw from serving.

• My father decided to forsake journalism for politics.
• If you forsake your sinful nature, I might just accept you back.

2. Shirk

‘Shirk’ originates from German Schurke (“rogue, knave”). Shirk connotes the act of avoiding a duty or responsibility.

• She is too diligent to shirk her duty.
• We must not shirk our duties as citizens of this great country.

3. Relinquish

‘Relinquish’ was first attested in Middle English relinquisshen, Middle French relinquir, and Latin relinquere. Relinquish means to voluntarily cease from serving.

• The corrupt governor does not intend to relinquish power.
• The rightful heir was persuaded to relinquish his claim to the throne.
• They were abruptly forced to relinquish their rights.

To Wrap Up

‘Serve’ connotes performing duties for a person or an organization. A synonym for serve is ‘function as.’ Other words with similar meanings are: perform duties for, function as, carry out, succor, act as.

The antonyms for the term include “forsake,” “shirk,” and “relinquish.” You now know the synonyms and antonyms for the word, so you can choose the one that fits your context!