work on

13 synonyms for work on, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Phrasal verb — To spend time and effort improving something or making progress with a task or project.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

develop improve repair service fix press

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

refine practise mend persuade lobby

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

labour at lean on

Synonyms by Meaning

1. phrasal verb

To spend time and effort improving something or making progress with a task or project.

“She's been working on her thesis all summer.”

labour at develop improve refine practise

2. phrasal verb

To repair or service something, especially a machine or vehicle.

“There's a mechanic working on the van outside.”

repair service fix mend

3. phrasal verb informal

To try persistently to persuade or influence someone.

“Leave him to me — I'll work on him before the vote.”

persuade lobby press lean on

How to use work on

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

work on a project work on yourself work on your relationship still working on it

Neutral in all senses; the persuasion sense is informal and can sound slightly manipulative.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between "work on" and "work at"?

"Work on" takes a project or object you are actively changing — work on a report, work on the car. "Work at" stresses sustained effort at a skill or quality, often over a long period — work at your patience, work at staying calm. With skills the two overlap, and both are acceptable.

What is the difference between "work on" and "work out"?

"Work on" means to put effort into improving something. "Work out" means to solve or calculate, to exercise, or to end successfully. "I'm working on the numbers" means I am still going; "I worked out the numbers" means I got the answer.

What does "working on myself" mean?

It means deliberately trying to improve your own habits, mental health or character, usually through therapy, reflection or new routines. It is a common phrase in relationships and self-help contexts.

People also searched

service press improve develop fix repair lobby persuade practise mend refine

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of work on