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.

In 2008, Duncan also received the National Association of Secretaries of State’s Margaret Chase Smith American Democracy Award for political courage and public service.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 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

"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

Mr. Bezos is also doing a public service in contrasting the performance of government with the performance of the companies he creates.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

I discovered this from a public service announcement that I saw late one night on television.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt