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 Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment — which includes the film office, NYC Media, press credential office and programs and initiatives — oversees tasks such as coordinating with labor unions as well as permitting, licensing and incentives for filming in the city. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026 Give yourself only five or ten minutes to complete the task. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
Levy was part of the Netflix team behind unscripted smash Love Is Blind and she will be tasked with finding similar success at Amazon, which has struggled to define its unscripted strategy in recent years. Peter White, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026 Now the Aggies are tasked with replacing four of their five starting linemen from 2025. Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • But again, as of late, Jalen has been doing a great job of making plays for us.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The TikTok guy will even teach you how to use the tools required for the job.
    Nolan Finley The Detroit News, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • There are other examples of lawmakers leaving public office for lobbying roles, but keeping their accounts open and spending from them.
    Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026
  • By high school, Carter had acted in theater and earned a role in Neil Simon’s production of The Odd Couple.
    Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • It was treated as irrelevant, rather than as a co-equal branch entrusted with the gravest decision a republic can make.
    Jon Duffy, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • There was little reason to entrust him with another term after such a massive failure.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The two attorneys made a slew of arguments to defend their position, including that the pair of lawmakers did not have legal standing to bring a suit related to their official duties in the first place.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2026
  • An off-duty Naperville police officer witnessed the crash and pulled the driver out of the Tesla.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The core purpose of Taste Addison – promoting Addison's 200+ restaurants – will be reenvisioned to include new, year-round options to support and elevate North Texas' most vibrant dining hub.
    S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The driver that struck Riddles has not been charged with any crimes for the crash, which happened as Riddles tried to cross the road in an area that wasn't marked with a crosswalk.
    Zach Boetto, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Police arrested Andy Alcantara-Beltre, 33, of Dorchester and charged him with unlawful possession of a gun and ammunition, trafficking a Class A substance (over 100 grams), and possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance (crack cocaine).
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His most recent assignment with PBSO was working in Lake Worth Beach’s downtown as a liaison between businesses and the department, Jody Alu said.
    Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Police officers receive assignments and special instruction from higher ranking officers who also review the police officer’s work.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado January 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Below, shop eight travel-ready finds that combine runway-worthy fashion, function, and spaciousness, for up to a whopping 83 percent off.
    Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026
  • On Livonia Avenue, community navigator Troy Johnson climbs behind the wheel of the van, which functions as a mobile office for Brooklyn Justice Initiatives staff.
    Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on task

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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