Definitions

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.

"I've known and respected Jay Clayton for decades. His intelligence, temperament and deep commitment to public service will make him a terrific DNI," added Jim Hines, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

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

After a life devoted to public service or writing for think tanks, he isn’t a wealthy man.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 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

Daniel Hudson Burnham was born in Henderson, New York, on September 4, 1846, into a family devoted to Swedenborgian principles of obedience, self-subordination, and public service.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson