Synonyms for "work"

10 kid-friendly synonyms for work, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).

What does "work" mean?

The word work is a verb that means: to put effort into doing a job or task.

Example: "I work hard at school."

Grade K–2Easy synonyms for work

Younger kids can use these in place of "work":

Grade 3–5Stronger words for work

For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:

Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for work

Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:

Opposites of work (antonyms)

Words that mean the opposite of work:

FAQ — synonyms for work

What is a good synonym for work in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try do. For older students, "labor" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does work have?
We list 10 grade-appropriate synonyms for work across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is work a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, work is used as a verb.

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