task 1 of 2

Definition of tasknext

task

2 of 2

verb

as in to entrust
to give a task, duty, or responsibility to I have been tasked by the host with bringing the pies for Thanksgiving this year

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun task contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of task are assignment, chore, duty, job, and stint. While all these words mean "a piece of work to be done," task implies work imposed by a person in authority or an employer or by circumstance.

charged with a variety of tasks

When can assignment be used instead of task?

The words assignment and task can be used in similar contexts, but assignment implies a definite limited task assigned by one in authority.

a reporter's assignment

When might chore be a better fit than task?

While in some cases nearly identical to task, chore implies a minor routine activity necessary for maintaining a household or farm.

every child was assigned chores

When would duty be a good substitute for task?

The meanings of duty and task largely overlap; however, duty implies an obligation to perform or responsibility for performance.

the duties of a lifeguard

Where would job be a reasonable alternative to task?

The synonyms job and task 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 task?

While the synonyms stint and task are close in meaning, stint implies a carefully allotted or measured quantity of assigned work or service.

a 2-month stint as a reporter

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 task
Noun
The summit's agenda included exchanging views on global and regional issues, reviewing efforts to develop Russia-ASEAN ties and discussing areas and tasks for future cooperation. ABC News, 18 June 2026 Capra even goes as far as to take on some of the messier tasks of being a mom. Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
Verb
The risky plan involves launching a spacecraft tasked with capturing Swift and raising its orbit throughout the course of several months, according to NASA. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 18 June 2026 So, what exactly is someone tasked with optimizing the performance and engagement of their people supposed to do? Laura Weldy, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • That means taking away human driver jobs could be particularly detrimental in the state.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Young men with at least a bachelor’s degree spent an average of 14 hours less annually on the job between 2019 and 2022.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Brian Gutiérrez, the Mexican American who played a key role in the opener as South Africa was hit a with a red card while trying to stop him, and veteran Roberto Alvarado, who recorded an assist against South Africa, joined Rangel as Chivas starters in the opener.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • Pakistan, which has played a mediation role in US-Iran talks, endorsed the agreement, too, according to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
    Pamela Avila, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • McConnell gets solid performances from his actors, none more so than Yurich, who obviously took a leap by entrusting his story to someone else but pours himself into the role to a degree that suggests complete trust.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
  • You are not simply assigned a room, you are temporarily entrusted with the care of an extraordinary beachfront home.
    Arion McNicoll, TheWeek, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • With a V-neck and button-up front, this top transitions easily from the office to off-duty plans.
    Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026
  • Royals manager Matt Quatraro pulled double-duty Thursday.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Sheriff's officials said a detailed investigation determined three employees used the system for non-law enforcement purposes, violating both agency policy and Georgia law.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • Protect your space, then re-engage with purpose.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Nine months later, the deputy involved has been charged in connection with the September crash in Beaumont that killed 21-year-old Gavin Hinkley and left his fiancée, 20-year-old Madeline Fox, with severe, life-altering injuries.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
  • Kerr, like Carvalho, has not been charged with wrongdoing.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • The public obviously cannot know every factor that went into the Artemis III crew decision, and to the astronauts themselves, flight assignments are part of their workplace life, like getting grouped together for projects are at our own jobs.
    Margaret Landis, The Conversation, 18 June 2026
  • African nations, despite a 2-4-4 record, faced tough assignments, with Ivory Coast securing a crucial win.
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, cognitive decline, and impaired immune function.
    Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Fortune, 21 June 2026
  • Ultimately, trust has evolved beyond a customer service function to become a powerful competitive differentiator and a company's most valuable currency.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on task

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster