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
Casting director Lucy Bevan was tasked with finding Firstman’s onscreen son. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 According to the indictment, Long and Arellano were independent contractors for Victor’s Canvassing in Colorado Springs and were tasked with gathering signatures for Amendment 80, a school choice measure that Colorado voters rejected in the November 2024 election. Katie Langford, Denver Post, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • Further declines in home prices would deepen the hit to household balance sheets, said Lizzi Lee, a fellow at Center for China Analysis, noting that the property downturn has already inflicted significant job losses across construction and related sectors.
    Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • One candidate ran as a fervent booster, arguing that Atlantic Yards would bring jobs and housing to the area.
    Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 18 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
  • Lytvynchuk was arrested near Seattle last week and charged with harassing and attempting to harass an endangered animal in violation of the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, according to the Department of Justice.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
  • The Suffolk County Police announced on Sunday, May 17, that 40-year-old Michael McHenry was arrested and charged in connection with the death of Juliann Bachmann, 30.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 18 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
  • Being able to shave a half-hour or more off the usual running time is a function of being a streaming-only show that isn’t beholden to all the commercials of a network show.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 17 May 2026
  • But in moderation, these small acts of emotional buffering play a very important, invisible role in a relationship’s smooth function.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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