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 defendants will have the chance to defend themselves, though defeating a federal charge is a daunting task. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Jan. 2026 Check In with Neighbors Who Might Need Assistance Snow—and all the maintenance tasks that come with it—can be particularly difficult for disabled folks, new parents, and older adults to tackle. Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
But they soon are tasked with investigating two suspicious deaths in La Jolla from different angles. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026 Until the governor’s office grasps the severity of the problem, and until the health insurers are tasked with stopping the fraud, Girand isn’t optimistic there’ll be much change. Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • But again, as of late, Jalen has been doing a great job of making plays for us.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The TikTok guy will even teach you how to use the tools required for the job.
    Nolan Finley The Detroit News, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Pattinson got his big break by landing one of the leading roles in the Twilight saga as Edward, a sparkly and immortal vampire.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The team already decided to move on from offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo after one season in the role.
    Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • It was treated as irrelevant, rather than as a co-equal branch entrusted with the gravest decision a republic can make.
    Jon Duffy, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • There was little reason to entrust him with another term after such a massive failure.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Admission is $5; free for kids 15 and younger (cash only); free for active-duty military with ID.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026
  • In fact, Bella Hadid has repeat-worn the style with many off-duty looks, proving that the timeless silhouette adds an outfit-elevating touch.
    Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The core purpose of Taste Addison – promoting Addison's 200+ restaurants – will be reenvisioned to include new, year-round options to support and elevate North Texas' most vibrant dining hub.
    S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The driver that struck Riddles has not been charged with any crimes for the crash, which happened as Riddles tried to cross the road in an area that wasn't marked with a crosswalk.
    Zach Boetto, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Police arrested Andy Alcantara-Beltre, 33, of Dorchester and charged him with unlawful possession of a gun and ammunition, trafficking a Class A substance (over 100 grams), and possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance (crack cocaine).
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Pato told her to focus on the assignment, said a quotient meant how many times something is contained in another thing, stop resting her chin in her hands and hold the pencil properly.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
  • And that’s not even mentioning the Broncos’ use of match coverages, where defenders pass off assignments mid-play based on offensive motion.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Below, shop eight travel-ready finds that combine runway-worthy fashion, function, and spaciousness, for up to a whopping 83 percent off.
    Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026
  • On Livonia Avenue, community navigator Troy Johnson climbs behind the wheel of the van, which functions as a mobile office for Brooklyn Justice Initiatives staff.
    Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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