Synonyms of duty

duty

noun

ˈdü-tē 

1

as in tax

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

• tax
• levy
• tariff
• imposition
• impost
• excise
• assessment
• income tax
• direct tax
• tribute
• personal tax
• property tax
• poll tax
• single tax
• toll
• sales tax
• value-added tax
• withholding tax
• capitation
• hidden tax
• surtax
• supertax
• inheritance tax
• estate tax
• surcharge
• death tax
• flat tax
• proportional tax
• sin tax
• custom(s)

2

as in task

a piece of work that needs to be done regularly

the regular duties of a lifeguard

Synonyms & Similar Words

• task
• job
• assignment
• responsibility
• mission
• project
• chore
• function
• errand
• office
• endeavor
• operation
• commission
• undertaking
• stint
• care
• post
• enterprise
• chare
• charge
• char
• route
• circuit
• round

3

as in obligation

something one must do because of prior agreement

I must obey the call of duty and serve my country

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obligation
• responsibility
• need
• commitment
• burden
• promise
• vow
• office
• requirement
• pledge
• imperative
• constraint
• do
• charge
• devoir
• pact
• oath
• payment
• incumbency
• contract
• must
• arrangement
• compulsion
• tribute
• debt
• word
• trust
• setup
• covenant
• restraint
• compact
• reservation
• prearrangement
• coercion
• force
• engagement
• appointment
• duress
• troth
• onus

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• relief
• grace
• exemption
• stay
• release
• waiver
• ease
• postponement
• choice
• option
• selection
• alternative
• preference
• loophole
• pick

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

Recent Examples of duty

The additional tariff on India is set to take effect in 21 days, bringing the total duties imposed on Indian products up to 50%. —Nik Popli, Time, 6 Aug. 2025

Units that handle training would be most affected by Davis’ plan, which calls for 14 officers at the Police Academy to be moved to patrol duty. —Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 29 July 2025

The project stems from the creative partnership of Dennis Escobedo and Quentin Lee, who share writing and producing duties, with Lee also taking on directing responsibilities. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 July 2025

Some goods like aircraft components and certain chemicals are not set to be hit by tariffs, while autos will see duties reduced to the 15% rate. —Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 28 July 2025