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 technology uses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex tasks far beyond the abilities of traditional computers. Annie Palmer,samantha Subin, CNBC, 4 June 2026 These tasks include learning, reasoning, problem-solving, understanding language and recognition patterns. Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 4 June 2026
Verb
Secretaries were also tasked with identifying repeat audit findings where additional resources would be needed to solve issues, among other directives from the governor. Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 28 May 2026 As a rookie, Egbuka was tasked with playing all four receiver positions. Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • On one side were Carson’s years growing up in provincial Columbus, Georgia, and the succession of Southern towns to which her husband’s job had called them.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Kory Kantenga, head of economics for the Americas at LinkedIn, explained how the high prices consumers are seeing at gas pumps may affect their teenager’s ability to land a job at their local grocer.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • De Vie The hyper-seasonal, nose-to-tail dishes at De Vie are designed to pair alongside cocktails crafted from French and housemade spirits, and the nonalcoholic versions play just as large a role in the restaurant and bar’s living laboratory of infusions and tinctures.
    Lane Nieset, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • As soon as Luca de Meo took on the CEO role at Kering in September, he was convinced that luxury’s next chapter should include a strong dialogue between cultures.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • But those entrusted with the authority to use force must be trained to assess threat levels, evaluate proportional risk and employ non-lethal options before resorting to deadly force.
    Amy Stoddard, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2026
  • Every so often, one guest will entrust Marcelina with a blank palette, and to get creative.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • The government has also raised duties to curb demand for gold, a move aimed at conserving foreign exchange reserves.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 5 June 2026
  • In a 3-2 loss, Ohtani, who didn’t start after two-way duties the day before, remained in the dugout.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
Noun
  • My novel is about that sea-change and the search for purpose.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
  • While there is nothing particularly Jordanian about the design, the interiors serve multiple purposes for visiting business travelers and tourists.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Baker is also charged with burglary, breaking into a car, auto theft and other offenses, authorities said.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 1 June 2026
  • Each category is designed around different performance characteristics, balancing factors such as charging speed, energy density, lifespan, and thermal stability.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Catcher Chadwick Tromp was designated for assignment.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 5 June 2026
  • Robinson might not draw the primary defensive assignment guarding Spurs star big man Victor Wembanyama, a job that could fall to the Knicks' fleet of wings, but Robinson's offensive rebounding will be critical in not allowing second-chance opportunities.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Potassium is an essential electrolyte used for cellular metabolism, nerve and muscle function, and heartrate whereas phosphorous has multiple functions including regulation of metabolism.
    Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • Inside, the ship functions like a floating city, with pilots, flight crews, cooks, doctors and firefighters all working around the clock while deployed around the world.
    Sarah Alegre, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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