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 An off-duty CMPD officer in the area was listening to his radio when the call came and went searching for the boy, Fischbach said. Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025 District Court Judge John Weeks granted Sheriff Adam King’s request to resume his law enforcement duties during a hearing Thursday. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2025 But if you’ve been split between duty and desire, August invites you to stop overthinking and start embodying what feels good to you in each moment. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025 After Bad Bunny kicks off Season 51, SNL will pass the baton to host Amy Poehler with musical guest Role Model, followed by Sabrina Carpenter‘s double-duty takeover as both host and musical guest. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for duty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duty
Noun
  • However, the tax cuts would only provide a temporary boost to the Indian economy, and job creation needs to improve for a sustained consumption pickup, Nomura's Varma said.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The project is administered by Local Media Foundation, tax ID #36‐4427750, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with Local Media Association.
    Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Other tasks and other jobs changed, which enabled us to create new jobs that paid more and have fewer of the older jobs that went away.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
  • This is another excellent Monday activity—and Wilson offers a hack for making this task a little more enjoyable.
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Previously, dog owners were only required to report bites to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, with no obligation to share contact information with victims — leading to many unreported incidents, according to the agency.
    Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Powers at times structured the payments to avoid sending a single transaction of $10,000 or more to avoid triggering reporting obligations by the bank.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Your entire life is tied to your job.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Some have said the move could have a positive impact on job opportunities.
    John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Israeli military has acknowledged firing warning shots toward crowds in some instances and denied responsibility for other casualties near aid hubs.
    Soph Warnes, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Bigger responsibilities were on the horizon.
    Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And thankfully, the singles from the capital of Colorado understood the assignment in the pods.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, safeties Jaden Hicks and Chamarri Conner have bounced back from a rough Week 1 to provide some backside oomph and physicality while doing a better job of keeping their assignments.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The water system is in most urgent need of financial help, according to the IBA, largely due to the rising costs of buying water from the San Diego County Water Authority and the lack of regular rate hikes prior to 2023.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025
  • That should put you on track to find the ideal laser or ink tank printer for your needs.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Duty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duty. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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