task 1 of 2

task

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verb

as in to entrust
to give a task, duty, or responsibility to I have been tasked by the host with bringing the pies for Thanksgiving this year

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun task contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of task are assignment, chore, duty, job, and stint. While all these words mean "a piece of work to be done," task implies work imposed by a person in authority or an employer or by circumstance.

charged with a variety of tasks

When can assignment be used instead of task?

The words assignment and task can be used in similar contexts, but assignment implies a definite limited task assigned by one in authority.

a reporter's assignment

When might chore be a better fit than task?

While in some cases nearly identical to task, chore implies a minor routine activity necessary for maintaining a household or farm.

every child was assigned chores

When would duty be a good substitute for task?

The meanings of duty and task largely overlap; however, duty implies an obligation to perform or responsibility for performance.

the duties of a lifeguard

Where would job be a reasonable alternative to task?

The synonyms job and task are sometimes interchangeable, but job applies to a piece of work voluntarily performed; it may sometimes suggest difficulty or importance.

the job of turning the company around

In what contexts can stint take the place of task?

While the synonyms stint and task are close in meaning, stint implies a carefully allotted or measured quantity of assigned work or service.

a 2-month stint as a reporter

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of task
Noun
Noting that immigration judges are executive branch employees and not elected or appointed in the same way as other jurists, DeSantis said the president has the authority to deputize a variety of government employees to take on the task. Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025 The next task was finding a dog to adopt and Perez located a breeder in downstate Metcalf. Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
The determination of who would be tasked with vetting the citizenship of newborns in the meantime remains unclear. Churchill Ndonwie, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025 Most retailers have vacated the mall, leaving Citrus Heights and Namdar Realty Group tasked to revitalize the once economically vibrant shopping center, Feeney said. Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • In the first episode of the series, it is revealed that 10 years ago, Gi-hun was laid off from an assembly job at Dragon Motor, a car manufacturing plant.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 29 June 2025
  • Our job is to draw a red line between those two groups.
    Ashish Valentine, NPR, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars Robertson’s name has generated early buzz this summer, but not solely for extension purposes.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.
    Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Yes, the relievers lost five of the 21 leads with which they were entrusted during this stretch of 35 games in 37 days.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025
  • These include service accounts, API keys, machine credentials and, increasingly, autonomous AI agents that are deeply integrated into core business systems, entrusted with accessing sensitive data and executing tasks without human oversight.
    Arun Shrestha, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • In early 2025, the U.S. imposed new tariffs on Canadian lumber, pushing duties as high as 35%.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • After swindling his way into loads of cash, Yoshii gradually attempts to disconnect from humanity, moving out of the city, shunning his girlfriend, and entrusting duties to his new, devoted assistant.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Diesel has been synonymous with Fast and Furious, given his role as Dominic Toretto in the series that began as a street racing movie in 2001.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Fetterman’s sentiment comes amid his broader frustrations with his role as senator.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Linda Sun, a former aide to Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY), was charged earlier this week with accepting bribes from companies selling personal protective equipment during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 29 June 2025
  • Ten-year veteran Terry Rozier, who has started nearly 400 games in his career, has also been investigated for suspicious betting patterns surrounding his participation, but he has not been charged with any crimes and remains in the league.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • More Joe Sargent/Getty Images Barnhart was designated for assignment by the Rangers earlier this year and was later assigned to Triple-A Round Rock.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • With Cruz sidelined, the Yankees designated infielder CJ Alexander, a member of the 40-man roster, for assignment.
    Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • This move reflects a broader trend of extricating the marketing function from the C-suite, as seen with Starbucks and Etsy, who also did away with their CMO positions.
    Rekha Thomas, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Perhaps trade deadline acquisitions push role players into more specific functions.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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