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
An experienced professional can keep the same title for years while AI gradually assumes the very tasks that once demonstrated expertise, so the position survives even as the activities that once made the work feel meaningful begin to disappear. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The Moon enters Gemini and your 6th House of Work and Wellness, bringing more movement into tasks, schedules, and health routines. Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
Hugging Face clearly demonstrated that an AI agent, when tasked with a specific goal, can navigate around the barriers intended to restrict it. Shlomo Kramer, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 The organization tasked with enforcing its own rules is constantly reacting to another lawsuit filed in state or federal court by an athlete seeking an additional year of eligibility. Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • The current four-week running average for claims is the lowest since 2022 — the height of the post-pandemic job boom.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Gary hasn’t been tremendously present around the Raiders since Klint got the job — this was his first public appearance at a practice.
    Sam Warren, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Jaleel White is an actor, writer, and producer best known for his role as Steve Urkel on Family Matters.
    Big Think, Big Think, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Historically, the Jewish community played a major role in the spice trade in Kochi, a hub for black pepper, cardamom and nutmeg.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The focus is widening to include the financial stewardship of the organizations receiving those dollars, and whether nonprofit boards are exercising sufficient oversight over the executives entrusted to spend them.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2026
  • As congestion grows, so has the challenge – entrusted to Space Force Guardians – of identifying and tracking any object larger than a basketball.
    Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Howard brought claims for breach of fiduciary duty, constructive fraud and fraudulent misrepresentation against CAA.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Citizen, off-duty trooper credited with saving lives Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter who covers cold case investigations, the death penalty and breaking news for USA TODAY.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Reach out to a teammate about travel plans or a community event, because purpose fires your optimism and keeps everyone moving together.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • This broader understanding of purpose is crucial as AI reshapes the future of work.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Trump’s platform is charging Wall Street traders and investment firms as much as $100,000 for nearly-instant access to the president’s Truth Social posts and any other posts on the platform, according to multiple outlets.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Both men are charged with first-degree murder in Furman’s death.
    Barbara Vitello, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Dodgers’ rotation is progressing toward health, with Blake Snell (arthroscopic elbow surgery) set to make one more minor-league rehab start before being activated and Tyler Glasnow (back spasms) on the cusp of starting a rehab assignment.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Right-hander Blake Treinen threw live batting practice to hitters Saturday and should start a rehab assignment next week as well.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Passengers can stretch out and use the seat’s ingenious recline function, which has hard-shell backing and offers a cradling motion that slides the seat forward and up for eight inches of recline without disturbing the flier behind.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The restaurant only briefly reopened for private functions until 1980, when the lease ran out.
    David Szondy August 01, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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