public service

NOUN

government employment or appointment

Synonyms

STRONGEST

civil service

WEAK

benevolences good works philanthropies public life works

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As somebody who was at the DOJ for 21 years, I find that to be anathema to how I thought about public service.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

“When tribal healthcare was on the line, he was there. This experience comes from a lifetime of public service, not a checkbook.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

“I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle,” Gabbard wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

"At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle."

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

He’d carried the load admirably, inspiring people like Barack and Valerie to move out of the private sector and into community work and public service.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama