serve Synonyms
Another word for serve
• verb (Context 1)
To present and distribute food or drink to someone at a meal or in an establishment.
"The hosts served warm apple cider to their guests upon arrival."
• verb (Context 2)
To perform duties, work, or provide assistance for a person, organization, or cause.
"She served on the city council for twelve years before retiring from public life."
• verb (Context 3)
To be useful, satisfactory, or adequate for achieving a particular purpose or function.
"This sturdy wooden crate will suffice as a temporary coffee table until our furniture arrives."
• noun (Context 4)
An act of hitting or putting the ball or shuttlecock into play to begin a point in racket and net sports such as tennis, volleyball, or badminton.
"The tennis player won the match with an unstoppable service in the final set."
• verb (Context 5)
To hit or put the ball or shuttlecock into play to start a point in games like tennis or volleyball.
"It is your turn to deliver from the right side of the court."
• verb (Context 6)
To formally deliver a legal document, such as a subpoena or writ, to the person named in it, or to undergo a specified period of imprisonment.
"The bailiff served the summons at the defendant's business address."
• noun (Context 7)
A single portion of food or drink provided to one person.
"The restaurant offers a generous serving of roast vegetables with every main course."
Opposites of serve
The opposite of serve shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: