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

"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

Michael Shannon, “Death by Lightning” “Michael Shannon usually plays the assassin. In ‘Death by Lightning,’ he plays President James A. Garfield, showing us a principled man who aims for a life of public service.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

We heard from young people working in politics and public service, and I asked them the same question: Why did you choose this work?

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

Like she’s reciting something she heard on a public service announcement while watching cartoons with her idiot brother.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman