1
as in taxes
a charge usually of money collected by the government from people or businesses for public use
the shop at the airport charges no duty on tourist memorabilia
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in tasks
a piece of work that needs to be done regularly
the regular duties of a lifeguard
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in responsibilities
something one must do because of prior agreement
I must obey the call of duty and serve my country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of duties
By then, customs duties from sugar and tobacco—produced by England’s slave economies in the Americas—accounted for a third of the Crown’s revenues.
—
Sam Knight, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026
Reportedly, the system has reached full operational status, shielding personnel from hazardous maintenance duties.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
And the failure to do so is not just an abdication of one of our most basic duties owed to our people.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 16 Feb. 2026
Hancock, a former state senator, took over the duties of comptroller with Abbott's blessing in July 2025 after Glenn Hegar vacated his office to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
For Kate Middleton and Prince William, royal duties take a back seat to parenting their children, as shown by how William stepped back from his duties during the princess’ cancer treatments, according to a royal author.
—Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 2026
The Bank of England, chartered in London in 1694, was a private joint-stock business but one with special privileges and duties.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
Texans are best served when the GLO office stays focused on the work it is designed to do and carries out those duties transparently, effectively, and in the public interest.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Proximity to his organization’s minor leaguers adds to a GM like Preller’s evaluation duties, as does the chance to scout draft-eligible players.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2026
Sam Knight, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026
Reportedly, the system has reached full operational status, shielding personnel from hazardous maintenance duties.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
And the failure to do so is not just an abdication of one of our most basic duties owed to our people.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 16 Feb. 2026
Hancock, a former state senator, took over the duties of comptroller with Abbott's blessing in July 2025 after Glenn Hegar vacated his office to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
For Kate Middleton and Prince William, royal duties take a back seat to parenting their children, as shown by how William stepped back from his duties during the princess’ cancer treatments, according to a royal author.
—Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 2026
The Bank of England, chartered in London in 1694, was a private joint-stock business but one with special privileges and duties.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
Texans are best served when the GLO office stays focused on the work it is designed to do and carries out those duties transparently, effectively, and in the public interest.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Proximity to his organization’s minor leaguers adds to a GM like Preller’s evaluation duties, as does the chance to scout draft-eligible players.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duties
Noun
-
Teaching a robot to perform daily tasks Researchers highlighted that teaching a robot to perform daily tasks remains one of the great challenges in robotics.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Save your pickiest, most problematic tasks for days with strong, above-zero stars.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In his absence, those responsibilities fall to the deputy mayor, according to the City Charter.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
-
As kids get older, this transparency can cross over into talking honestly about social situations, financial decisions, or household values and responsibilities.—
Dina Gachman,
Parents,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
After the Blue Hills audit, Lamont called on McCrory to be relieved of his committee assignments.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
20 Feb. 2026
-
But just because a team is embracing losses doesn’t mean there aren’t important assignments to monitor while playing out the string.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The roster’s age and future payroll obligations put it in win-now mode.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The total amount reflects earned leave accumulated during Smith's tenure and does not include any additional severance beyond contractual obligations.—
Jack Lowenstein,
CBS News,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This location is situated closely to many thousands of jobs that could reside within walking distance or short bus ride of apartments, condos, townhouses and single-family homes.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
-
This is especially true for couples who live together and work demanding jobs; the cycle of work, home, sleep and repeat can become monotonous over time.—
Mark Travers,
CNBC,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Meyer argues that the state spends billions without addressing glaring needs, and 5200 could cost less than roller-coastering people through hospitals, courts, jails and prisons without putting them on a healthier track.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The majority of Americans belong to the working class and are finding their paychecks unable to keep up with the higher and higher prices of everyday needs.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Duties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duties. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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