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
Finding the right answers will be among the earliest and most difficult tasks for new executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026 There’s no need to start an advanced project immediately, and the right task could keep you more engaged in the long run. Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 5 June 2026
Verb
Rosemarie Berman of the Southside Community Action Network was tasked with taking the questions of those in attendance and posing them to officials. Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 12 June 2026 This was not well planned by Sony, and Bungie is now tasked with an enormous amount of work to make Marathon more popular than it was ever intended to be. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • During the four-month primary campaign, Raman offered withering critiques of Bass’ first term, saying the mayor failed to act with urgency on homelessness, apartment construction, street repairs and the exodus of entertainment jobs from the region.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • Thomas was then promoted to the top job in March 2025, with the title of design director.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Australian actors Amelia Zadro and Caspar Hardakar play supporting roles as Kotori and Charmerae respectively.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 June 2026
  • Katy Winge has earned a bigger role on the broadcasts.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • None of the rockets—Ariane 6, New Glenn, or Vulcan—to which Amazon originally entrusted the bulk of its missions had reached the launch pad when the company announced its massive launch order in 2022.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026
  • At midnight toasts were made with Blanc de Blanc champagne, and then the evening continued with a DJ set entrusted to leading names on the international scene, including Carl Cox, Martin Garrix, David Guetta, and Peggy Gou, who alternated until late into the night.
    Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • The Current did double World Cup duty Wednesday as the Netherlands also trained at the Current’s practice facility in Riverside.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
  • Drivers will still have to pay for car tax, servicing and MOTs with an EV, plus the government is planning to introduce pay-per-mile charges from April 2028 as a replacement for shrinking fuel duty revenues.
    Marc Shoffman, TheWeek, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • While much attention since the fire has focused on rebuilding physical structures, Nemecek said preserving the ranch’s purpose is equally important.
    Daily News, Daily News, 9 June 2026
  • And yet, while the animals in these stories are sacrificed to selfish purpose and whim, the human characters are astonished and haunted by them.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity and do not attempt to walk through floodwaters.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2026
  • Jones is additionally charged with two counts of obstructing justice, and Dowling is charged with 14 additional counts of tampering with records.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Days before he would be designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs, Lopez took time away from the team to be with his family in the wake of his grandfather’s May 21 passing.
    Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
  • Pitcher Jackson Rutledge was designated for assignment to make room for Hill on the 40-man roster.
    Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Things changed in January 2025, when Bass was more than 7,000 miles away at a diplomatic function in Ghana when the Palisades fire broke out.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • There were machines that assessed my body from the outside and from within; tests that looked at composition, function and performance; cognitive diagnostics that felt oddly enjoyable; and strength assessments that were, frankly, less charming.
    Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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