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 task involved transferring every patient and piece of medical equipment from one building to the other — a massive undertaking requiring months of planning and coordination. Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 7 May 2026 The researchers demonstrated the approach using manipulation and cutting tasks that involve physical interaction with materials. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 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
  • In 1945, Nazi Germany signed an unconditional surrender at Allied headquarters in Rheims, France, ending its role in World War II.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
  • Most of his reforms seemed to shrink the role of field offices and nationalize operations.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • That is not too much to ask of students, our teachers, or the institutions entrusted with launching us into our careers as physicians, researchers, and healers.
    Uzma Rentia, STAT, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Success, instead, should be measured by whether a threat that unfolds is mitigated by the planning and the response of those who are entrusted to secure the scene.
    Juliette Kayyem, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Congress has a constitutional duty here.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
  • Prosecutors said Schroer’s posts were intended to retaliate against Noem and Bondi over the performance of their official duties while serving in office.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • This approach builds upon the original intent of the Donohoe Act, which began with positive goals but did not fully achieve its purpose.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
  • The city has banned an arm in common use for lawful purposes by law-abiding citizens.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 4 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
  • Students at dozens of California campuses lost access to coursework and assignments.
    Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
  • Keeping him in the minor leagues for a few extra starts after a rehab assignment would require his permission.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 7 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on task

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster