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
Aside from cooking, tasks include everything from cleaning and maintaining the kitchen to keeping stock fresh. — Jessica Jungbauer, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026 The constraint of the task encourages a deeper looking, and gives us, part of a society suspicious of aimless activity, an excuse to mess around and explore a strange world. — Joseph Ogilvy, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
Everyone must be tasked with holding health care cost inflation at or below the rate of inflation, and must be held responsible for meeting the same target. — Paul Markovich, STAT, 2 Nov. 2026 They’re tasked first with establishing a preservation easement, to ensure that any new owner maintains the house with oversight from Landmarks Illinois. — Web Behrens, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • Despite a strong growth forecast for the region, unemployment among the fast-growing youth population remains stubbornly high, leading to political instability and leaving the authorities looking for ways to create more jobs.
    — Martin K.N Siele, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • When the heavy hand of government borrowing reduces private investment, jobs are at stake.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Olympic Games are less than two years away, and the sheriff’s department will be expected to play a major role in keeping millions of visitors and athletes safe.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Evers said Crowley also played a large role in negotiations on a $500 million deal to upgrade the baseball stadium where the Milwaukee Brewers play and to keep the team in the city through 2050.
    — Maayan Silver, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The Jets conducted an exhaustive search for their coach and general manager in 2025, and Johnson could entrust Mougey with those decisions this time.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The rifle is entrusted to the goat herder’s two young sons, who end up firing it from a mountainside at a coach filled with Western tourists just to see how far the bullet would go.
    — Ray Bennett, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • As of late October, the 3-euro duty was still affecting annual volumes into the EU.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • An off-duty police officer was at the store working private security at the time of the shooting and immediately responded to the gunfire, police said.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • North Korea’s Missile Administration said its cluster warheads fall into four categories, depending on their intended purpose.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The flashback structure doesn’t serve much of a purpose except to delay the audience’s complete endorsement of a character who, though appropriately cantankerous, is unambiguously a hero and nice guy.
    — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Police charged 52-year-old Mooresville resident Rod Moskowitz with assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, court records show.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
  • And one health care consultancy that finds doctors and mental health care for wealthy families charges retainers starting at $30,000 for 50 hours.
    — Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • That is a difficult assignment against Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is tied for the league lead with 16 touchdown passes.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
  • An order from Justice Gabriel became no longer necessary after Weeks’ decision, which will lead to the assignment of a second visiting judge in the case.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Its primary function involves immobilizing the arming components inside M42 and M46 submunitions.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
  • After months of treatment, Luther saw remarkable healing and a full recovery in most physical ailments, but the injuries also affected her cognitive functions.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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