Synonym Chooser

How does the noun duty contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of duty are assignment, chore, job, stint, and task. While all these words mean "a piece of work to be done," duty implies an obligation to perform or responsibility for performance.

the duties of a lifeguard

When is it sensible to use assignment instead of duty?

In some situations, the words assignment and duty are roughly equivalent. However, assignment implies a definite limited task assigned by one in authority.

a reporter's assignment

Where would chore be a reasonable alternative to duty?

The words chore and duty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, chore implies a minor routine activity necessary for maintaining a household or farm.

every child was assigned chores

When could job be used to replace duty?

The synonyms job and duty 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 duty?

The meanings of stint and duty largely overlap; however, stint implies a carefully allotted or measured quantity of assigned work or service.

a 2-month stint as a reporter

When can task be used instead of duty?

Although the words task and duty have much in common, task implies work imposed by a person in authority or an employer or by circumstance.

charged with a variety of tasks

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 duty There’s a lot of reason to like these odds as Raphinha is averaging 3.68 shots per 90 minutes on the year, 0.15 xG per shot (well above average), and will likely assume penalty duties in the absence of Lewandowski. Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025 President Donald Trump’s trade war has troubled markets and retail stocks in particular in recent weeks, especially his 145% duty on China . Brian Evans, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025 On Monday, the Coeur d’Alene City Attorney's office said that five men associated with a private security firm were facing a range of charges, including battery, false imprisonment and security agent duty violations. Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Target imports about 30 percent of its product assortment from China, which now faces 145-percent duties. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for duty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duty
Noun
  • The Senate's instructions require lawmakers to find very few spending cuts while implementing the president's expensive tax proposals.
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • But his proposals—including tax incentives, transition bonds, and a mechanism to tax high-carbon imports—are designed to move the needle all the same.
    Justin Worland, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Look at your past week—what tasks left you feeling energized, proud or even just peacefully focused?
    Minna Hu, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • But everyday maintenance tasks can be done by homeowners.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Is disaster relief a federal obligation, a collective insurance policy for the nation?
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The masters of ballyhoo chopped it up on the delicate handling of awards campaigns, the elusiveness of Gen Z consumers and how marketing around blockbusters and franchises is now a year-round obligation to keep fans engaged and interested.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Wearing his trusty tape measure around his neck, Mancinelli said he had not yet been formally commissioned by the Vatican but was busy preparing for the prestige job, working on his sewing machine as well as hand stitching robes.
    Chiara Rodriquez, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Major hospital modernization projects typically generate hundreds of permanent positions and thousands of construction jobs — real opportunities for hardworking New Yorkers who form the backbone of our city’s economy.
    Carlo Scissura, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But adulthood can also come with come with a mountain of responsibility, from paying your own bills to deciding where to live, which can can be overwhelming to navigate all at once.
    Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
  • While the Pulwama attack was claimed by the militant Islamist group Jaish-e-Mohammed and targeted security personnel, the one on Tuesday involved unarmed civilians, and any claims of responsibility have been vague and unverified.
    Salman Masood, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • With the 6-foot-6 Jackson taking on the toughest assignments each night and full-court pressing the league’s top perimeter scorers, the Bucks had found a way to ugly up games with their defense and beat the league’s best.
    Sam Amick, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • The zip-and-snap closure keeps everything secure, even if your itinerary (or seat assignment) gets shuffled last-minute.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • However, these new drugs carry significant challenges, including high costs, the need for frequent brain scans to monitor serious side effects and the risk of swelling or bleeding in the brain.
    Allen Chang, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Late last year, the district launched an initiative that provides cash payments for 12 months to 251 students with a demonstrated financial need who are pursuing health careers.
    Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Duty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duty. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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