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
UniCortex supports long-term task planning, enabling the robot to execute complex, multi-step operations seamlessly. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026 In addition, the survey addressed the growing use of AI agents, or AI systems that can conduct independent tasks. Jared Perlo, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
Gage entered for starter Tyler Mahle in the top of the sixth with one on and two out, tasked with facing the left-handed hitting Brandon Marsh. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026 He was immediately tasked with a turnaround of the business as its stock price had fallen and earnings began to miss expectations. Lillian Rizzo,julia Boorstin, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • The jobs help generate nearly $3 billion in annual economic output, according to estimates from the Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association.
    Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • New Gallup polling finds that while more employees are using AI frequently in their work, there’s been an uptick in alarm that new technologies will replace their jobs.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Charlotte exhibition will work in tandem to promote other sites and museums highlighting the Carolinas’ role in the Revolutionary War.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Kendall, as usual, played multiple roles.
    Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But now, the owners of capital want to bring the unifying corporate narrative in-house and entrust it to an insider who can create a mythology that converts brand promise into a hero’s journey, an epic tale that stars every consumer who commits him or herself to the brand’s belief system.
    Bruce Stockler, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The investigation has been entrusted to the Carabinieri of Parma and the Specialized Unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Bologna, under the coordination of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
    Chiara Pizzimenti, Vanity Fair, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Since Markle and her husband stepped back from their royal duties and relocated to California, the humanitarian and mom of two has adopted a more casual—but still upscale—aesthetic.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
  • He was promptly drafted into the Army, but his mountaineering experience led him to be assigned to the Mountain and Cold Weather Training Command in Colorado instead of combat duty in Korea.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • What's new is using criminal prosecutors for partisan purposes -- and there's no quotes about that in the case.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • That is leading people to lean on their faith for meaning and purpose.
    Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Merritt was charged with disorderly conduct and booked into the Broward County Jail.
    Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026
  • But they have not been charged and are still licensed to practice law in Louisiana.
    Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The result is an effortlessly elegant look that proves a black and white ensemble rarely fails to meet the assignment.
    Glamour, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Assuming no one else gets hurt when Grissom is ready to come back, the most likely choices are to either designate Jeimer Candelario for assignment or option Bryce Teodosio, making Frazier the fourth outfielder.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Bart argues that such promotion has a salutary social function, reaching people in underserved communities who might not otherwise be aware that they are entitled to aggressive, contingency-fee advocacy.
    Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • But in the absence of such attuned and invested adults, these panic responses can be sustained and lead to long-term changes in the way the child’s genes interact, the way the child’s brain develops and functions, and the way the child understands and interacts with others.
    Dr. Andrew Garner, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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