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
While that might sound like a daunting task, there are many tools that can help. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 Rescued, Kuro decides to destroy the Dragon’s Heritage, a task that requires a tear from the Divine Dragon. Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
At the center of northern Nigeria's strict religious code is the local Islamic police, known as the Hisbah force, whose personnel are tasked with upholding public morals across some of the region's 19 states. ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 She's tasked with completing the mercurial master's unfinished works, though Lori and Julian's relationship sparks needed connection and redemption for each. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • It’s mainly centered on Billie, who is worried about an old Facebook post standing in the way of finding a job.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Do artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT eliminate jobs, create new ones, or both?
    Jeffrey C. Dixon, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Taylor Farms says 40% of salad kits sold at grocery stores come from the company, giving it a massive role in supplying a convenient and cheap vegetable option for many shoppers.
    Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The actresses are reprising their roles as the two witch sisters nearly 30 years after the 1998 original.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Throughout his career, Satsky has been entrusted with highly confidential information involving some of the largest and most significant transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors, his lawyer, Anello said.
    Chase Jordan August 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Now Norvell enters 2026 firmly on the hot seat, entrusting his future to another transfer quarterback.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Harry and Meghan are returning to the UK as private citizens and will not be resuming any official duties on behalf of King Charles III.
    Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • There is little for police to do besides offer condolences, ask questions and carry out their legal duty to confirm the parents did nothing that constitutes a crime in Idaho.
    Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Anthropic wanted assurance that its technology would not be used for fully autonomous weapons or domestic mass surveillance, and the DOD wanted Anthropic to grant the agency unfettered access to Claude across all lawful purposes.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Thankfully, his reappearance in the show actually has a deeper purpose.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Contra Costa County District Attorney on Friday charged 32-year-old Sergio Rivera-Vega with three counts of murder on Friday and is expected to add a fourth count on Monday.
    Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Under the returning Jose Mourinho, they are charged with returning Madrid to glory after two trophyless seasons.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Miami Marlins shook up their bullpen a bit on Sunday, designated for assignment veteran lefty reliever John King and recalling rookie Jack Ralston ahead of their series finale against the Washington Nationals.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Real confident in my alignment and assignment on the defense, stuff like that, film study.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Many organizations struggle with disparate systems for critical functions, leading to a lack of clear guidance for frontline managers.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • What Tungsten Is Used For Tungsten's industrial role is defined by its function under demanding conditions.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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