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
The new caretaker premier will be supported by a cabinet of experts in his main tasks of ensuring fair and transparent elections and restoring public trust in institutions, which has been eroded by political uncertainty. ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026 Participants in the cognitive training groups completed memory, reasoning, or speed-of-processing tasks during 10 sessions lasting 60 to 75 minutes over five to six weeks. Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
The board is tasked with considering if inmates should receive clemency, have their sentences commuted, be pardoned or qualify for early release. Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoman, 19 Feb. 2026 They’re tasked with using technology, analytics and old-fashioned instruction to fix the problems. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • Yet the requirement to have identification to get a shoveling job would appear to contradict such claims and concerns.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 23 Feb. 2026
  • In the modern age of remote hiring, the virtual job interview has devolved into a Wild West of unprofessionalism and artificial intelligence shortcuts.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Other key Yoon allies have already been prosecuted for their roles in the martial law decree.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Rookies Kobe Sanders, a forward, and center Yanic Konan Niederhauser also have proven to be helpful role players this season, providing energy and fresh legs when needed that have helped the Clippers surge to the finish line.
    Janis Carr, Oc Register, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Once dark and divided into too many small spaces, this Victorian house has benefited from a careful redesign entrusted to the duo at Penrose Tilbury.
    Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 17 Feb. 2026
  • As Edison’s football coach, he was entrusted to guide young athletes whose parents bought banned 2 Live Crew records and tapes as teens.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Lensed on 16mm by Frimmel, who handled DP duties, while Covi is credited as both screenwriter and co-editor, the film has a grainy old-school look that adds to the general sense of time gone by.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
  • His character, known as the Father, balances his work as a contract killer with his duties as a dad to his 10-year-old son (Callum Vinson).
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Soldiers from the Multi-purpose Company, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division operated the aircraft during the drill.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The real purpose of the campaign was to draw attention to the violation of Japanese Americans’ Constitutional rights.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The company also says the battery can charge in under 10 minutes and last 100,000 cycles.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Six of the accused were charged on all three counts.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But just because a team is embracing losses doesn’t mean there aren’t important assignments to monitor while playing out the string.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
  • After Fennell approached her to write a song for the film, Charli and producer Finn Keane threw themselves into the project, expanding the assignment into a full soundtrack.
    Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The name is a bit of a mouthful, and the organization itself deploys a fair amount of jargon to describe its function.
    Dave Boucher, Freep.com, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Eating the right amount of protein supports your body’s basic functions, muscle health, and overall well-being.
    Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 22 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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