employment

noun

im-ˈplȯi-mənt How to pronounce employment (audio)
Definition of employmentnext
1
as in use
the act or practice of employing something for a particular purpose the employment of the kitchen oven as a storage cupboard had predictably disastrous results

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in profession
the activity by which one regularly makes a living his regular employment is that of a restaurant waiter, but he always identifies himself as an actor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in employ
the state of being provided with a paying job the parents tried to convey to their adult son the joys of steady employment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun employment differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of employment are business, calling, métier, occupation, pursuit, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

When is business a more appropriate choice than employment?

While in some cases nearly identical to employment, business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

When would calling be a good substitute for employment?

In some situations, the words calling and employment are roughly equivalent. However, calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

When can métier be used instead of employment?

The meanings of métier and employment largely overlap; however, métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

In what contexts can occupation take the place of employment?

While the synonyms occupation and employment are close in meaning, occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

When is it sensible to use pursuit instead of employment?

The words pursuit and employment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

When might work be a better fit than employment?

Although the words work and employment have much in common, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of employment Provide documentation Lenders may ask you to provide income and employment information. —Bianca Rodríguez Rojas, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025 According to the Irving Chamber of Commerce, the city is the second-largest employment center in the state. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2025 With Juan Soto no longer under their employment, Stanton’s health and continued production are of the utmost importance to a lineup that is also banking on a few other former MVPs. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2025 Federal civilian employment is not a major factor in federal spending and deficits. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for employment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for employment
  1. use
  2. profession
  3. employ
  4. application
  5. occupation
  6. tenure
  7. exercise
  8. vocation
Noun
  • And Crystal Care Tips Experts across the board agree that regular use is the best way to keep delicate pieces clean and in the best condition.
    — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacramento Bee, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of use
Noun
  • Art critic Eva Diaz, writing for ArtReview, says that Of the ‘creative’ pursuits, architecture is among the most dependent on big piles of capital in order to get its work off the ground: patronage is a constitutive yoke of the profession.
    — Matt Shaw, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • And coming back to any profession following a stroke of any magnitude is not easy.
    — Zach Harper, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of profession
Noun
  • Between salaries, benefits and, eventually, pensions — the number of people the state employs comes at a significant cost to taxpayers.
    — Rebecca Pryor, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2025
  • The two employ Watts’ residents and trainees from a nearby youth center.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Definition of employ
Noun
  • The College Application Process is More Stressful than Ever First and foremost, the survey highlights the emotional toll that the college application process takes on students and parents.
    — Christopher Rim, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Individuals or companies seeking a unique, customizable and attention-grabbing mobile space for events, luxury travel or specialized applications may find the Touchdown's innovative features justify the investment.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of application
Noun
  • This will likely require a temporary occupation of Gaza by the IDF or another security force to provide stability and prevent a resurgence of Hamas.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
  • What the state will get is a pristine tract that has no hint of human occupation.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of occupation
Noun
  • Now the Butler era of the Spoelstra tenure is over, with the former having wanted nothing more than to exit stage left.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2025
  • George's Sixers tenure has gotten off to a nightmarish start, although injuries deserve at least some of the blame for that as well.
    — Bryan Toporek, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of tenure
Noun
  • Summary There's no doubt about it: cardio exercise is good for your health.
    — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Use Virtual Team-Building Activities To Encourage Bonding One effective exercise a leader can implement is organizing virtual team-building activities.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of exercise
Noun
  • As for Hawke, the site has become not only a place of healing, connection and community, but also an unexpected vocation.
    — Brian M. Sloan, NBC News, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Urbano believes there’s a greater purpose at work in her life, and in her vocation.
    — Paul Eisenberg, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
Definition of vocation

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Cite this Entry

“Employment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/employment. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on employment

Nglish: Translation of employment for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about employment

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