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

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
More recently, the actor has been taken to task for remarks made at a town hall hosted by CNN and Variety in February. Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026 Taipei, Taiwan — Taiwan’s military has grown used to the daily task of tracking Chinese warplanes flying near the island. Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
Now tasked with jumpstarting manufacturing apprenticeships nationwide, state officials have been busy fielding calls from all over the country. Andrea Hsu, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026 The motion, introduced by Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, creates a three-member ad hoc committee tasked with reviewing all pending city matters related to Measure ULA and recommending next steps. Teresa Liu, Daily News, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • Provost has pledged to use those lessons learned, with labor unions awaiting details as to whether this will have implications for jobs in France.
    Albertina Torsoli, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
  • As of December 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported over 400,000 job openings.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Ben Wang delivers a breakthrough performance in the title role as a kid who tries to conquer his anxiety issues head-on by running for class president.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Age limits inspired by Australia law won’t hamper role adults play in raising children.
    Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The narrative centers on the mercenary Dao Ma, a wandering bounty hunter who is entrusted to escort a mysterious fugitive across the treacherous Western deserts to the capital of Chang’an.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Owners are entrusting brokers with significant financial decisions.
    Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Clifford and DeRozan also took on a share of the ballhandling duties.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • And local police departments and sheriff’s offices, through the 287(g) program, perform the duties of ICE while wearing their respective badges.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • For anyone building a compact, efficient toolkit, the hori hori knife eliminates the need for several single-purpose gadgets.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The military’s purpose is national defense, not managing domestic dissent.
    Brielle Miller, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Rio’s Civil Police said the four young men in pretrial detention will be charged with rape, while a fifth suspect — a minor — turned himself in Friday to face an equivalent charge under juvenile law.
    Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • She has not been charged with any crime.
    Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Right-handers Emmet Sheehan and River Ryan, along with left-hander Justin Wrobleski, are all possibilities for starting assignments early in the season.
    Jack Vita, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • In a statement to The Charlotte Observer, CLT officials explained that the airport handles the business side of operations — such as gate assignments and construction — but does not set pay or benefits for private-sector workers.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • For example, this travel wrap, with more than 8,300 five-star ratings, functions as a cardigan, poncho, cape, and shawl.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • In early March 2025, Morales issued a delegation order designating Lake to perform almost all functions and responsibilities assigned to the CEO job.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 8 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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