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
After the road trip, Washington, then 73, stepped aside from his managerial duties indefinitely before undergoing quadruple bypass heart surgery.
—
Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Høiby has no royal title, performs no official duties and is not in the line of succession.
—Gwladys Fouche, USA Today, 15 June 2026
The treasure keeper has all of the same duties as the usual banker.
—Kirsten Acuna, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
James Mangold took over filmmaking duties on the sequel, which earned negative reviews and underperformed with $384 million at the box office.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 15 June 2026
Harry and Meghan most recently attended Trooping the Colour in 2022, two years after stepping back from royal duties and moving to the United States.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 15 June 2026
Maternity leave ends in September, and that’s when grandma will take on babysitting duties three days a week.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026
Another conquerer can barely bring themself to carry out the duties required of a victor.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 June 2026
Of note, recognizing these concerns, the commission voted in December 2025 to establish an ad hoc Governance Committee to review all governing documents and create policies and procedures to allow the pension commission to fulfill its fiduciary duties.
—Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2026
Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Høiby has no royal title, performs no official duties and is not in the line of succession.
—Gwladys Fouche, USA Today, 15 June 2026
The treasure keeper has all of the same duties as the usual banker.
—Kirsten Acuna, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
James Mangold took over filmmaking duties on the sequel, which earned negative reviews and underperformed with $384 million at the box office.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 15 June 2026
Harry and Meghan most recently attended Trooping the Colour in 2022, two years after stepping back from royal duties and moving to the United States.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 15 June 2026
Maternity leave ends in September, and that’s when grandma will take on babysitting duties three days a week.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026
Another conquerer can barely bring themself to carry out the duties required of a victor.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 June 2026
Of note, recognizing these concerns, the commission voted in December 2025 to establish an ad hoc Governance Committee to review all governing documents and create policies and procedures to allow the pension commission to fulfill its fiduciary duties.
—Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duties
Noun
-
If tasks pile up, batch similar actions and protect your calendar edges, since boundaries keep interruptions from scattering your concentration.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
When routine tasks are automated, the work that remains requires judgment, creativity, and relationships.—
Lisa Curtis,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Fatigue, medication schedules, side effects and appointments affect work, parenting, caregiving responsibilities, relationships and daily routines.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
15 June 2026
-
On larger productions, the directing team could expand to as many as 10 members, each with distinct responsibilities.—
Jenny S. Li,
Variety,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
This is the full list of broadcaster assignments for Week 15 (all games on Sunday except where noted).—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
11 Dec. 2025
-
Chastain, now 57, gathered with a handful of other local sports figures and a hundred or so soccer fans at a watch party for the 2026 World Cup draw, where onlookers learned the group-stage assignments for the 48 countries participating in the tournament, which comes to Levi’s Stadium in June.—
Evan Webeck,
Mercury News,
6 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Miley and Tish Cyrus have no further legal obligations, and the ruling sharply limits Jayme Lee’s options, leaving only the unlikely prospect of an appeal requiring proof of judicial error.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Dec. 2025
-
Temporary national programs During major crises like the one that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government may enact short-term protections like stimulus payments or collection pauses to help borrowers who cannot meet their payment obligations.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
8 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Wedding tents have multiple jobs during a celebration.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
15 June 2026
-
Offshore wind offers a path that keeps more energy dollars here at home, creates American jobs, and builds a cleaner, more affordable future for Connecticut families.—
Julianna Larue,
Hartford Courant,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Padding at the heels ensures these faux leather sneakers are comfy straight from the box, but they’re also designed to be simultaneously flexible and supportive to accommodate the needs of your weary feet during long travel days.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Dec. 2025
-
Denim weavers have adapted the technique to suit the fabric’s complex finishing process and consumers’ needs.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
8 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Duties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duties. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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