Synonyms for

Serve

Verb / sɜ:v / Another word for serve — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To perform a duty or work for someone else

Synonyms & similar words

attendto service waiton do swearout suffice dish dishup dishout function attend assist serveup process help answer servewell assist help aid wait attend cater provide deliver supply contribute perform execute accomplish fulfill comply obey follow satisfy meet

Synonyms by register

Formal

minister assist provide attend

Informal

dish out hand out give out help out

Literary

minister unto attend to

Antonyms

take receive neglect disobey refuse ignore

Common collocations

  • serve dinner
  • serve notice
  • serve a purpose
  • serve time
  • serve the public
  • serve a warrant
  • serve a drink
  • serve well

Word family

noun service
verb serve
adjective serviceable
adverb serviceably

Usage note

The meaning of 'serve' varies greatly depending on context, from providing a service to acting as a tennis player or serving a prison sentence. Be mindful of the specific context to choose the most appropriate synonym or understand its meaning.

Example sentences

  1. She will serve drinks at the party.
  2. The waiter will serve dinner soon.
  3. I will serve the cake at the birthday party.
  4. He will serve in the army.
  5. The tennis player needs to serve the ball correctly.

Quotes

  • Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. - Muhammad Ali
  • The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. - Mahatma Gandhi
  • We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. - Winston Churchill

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words