task 1 of 2

Definition of tasknext

task

2 of 2

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
On the other hand, the Instant Pot Duo is more basic and can perform seven tasks but is also much more affordable. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 The new Extra Marriage Gift Set does not, of course, break down the components completely—an impossible task, considering how many whiskies are in the blend. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 14 May 2026
Verb
The law also tasks museums with the mission to research provenance within their collections. Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 8 May 2026 Lopez’ appointment marks the first major selection by Miami City Manager James Reyes, who is tasked with choosing the city’s police chief. Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • His dad, inspired by Barker, recently quit his job as a psychiatric nurse practitioner to become a full-time screenwriter.
    Alex Barasch, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • The anchor was there to do a job and was being as professional as can be, and that wasn't necessarily reciprocated.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • This role gives him the opportunity to explore different departments before eventually committing to a specialty.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
  • Timber Creek coach Reggie Cox is hoping eighth-grader Connor Mullins, who is expected to join the team in August, can step into the role.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • And Curry entrusts his considerable talent to Kerr, who can look at his star point guard and just about diagnose his disposition.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 10 May 2026
  • What to read next NASA also wants SpaceX and Blue Origin to fully demonstrate successful uncrewed touchdowns on the moon, and liftoffs back to lunar orbit, before entrusting the lives of astronauts aboard the landers.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Uthmeier has also argued that the government has a duty to protect children who didn’t have a say in not being raised by both biological parents.
    Ann Marie Luft, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
  • The bipartisan support for the measure comes at a time when federal closures have become longer and more frequent, frustrating lawmakers who say there should be punishment when Congress fails at its most basic legislative duty.
    Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • For all intents and purposes, the bulk of the offseason acquisition for the Dallas Cowboys is wrapped up.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026
  • The board’s ouster comes amid a purge of independent scientific and research groups whose purpose is to advise the federal government’s science and health policies.
    Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • No remains were uncovered, but a month later, both Flores men were arrested and charged in connection with Smart’s murder.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • The premiums charged were not actuarially determined, similar insurance options were available more cheaply on the open insurance market, the premiums were not negotiated at arm's length, and the taxpayer's operating business was motivated to pay higher premiums so as to realize greater deductions.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Her assignment was to help the Gaza Health Ministry restore access to health care in the north, where Israeli attacks had flattened nearly every building in sight.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • The three-year varsity starter understood the assignment.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Preeclampsia can impair kidney and liver function, cause blood clotting problems, fluid in the lungs, seizures, and, in severe forms or when left untreated, result in maternal and infant death.
    Tina Sturdevant, New York Times, 10 May 2026
  • Salieri is the main character of the play, and to a great extent, the film, while Mozart functions as the unwitting instrument through which Salieri loses his faith in God.
    Robert Lloyd, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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