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task

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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
In 2017, the Red Sox tried to make a go of things without attempting the impossible task of replacing David Ortiz. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025 Align your tasks with your values, so your workload feels more purposeful and sustainable. Usa Today, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
In 2008, voters approved an initiative that created the state’s independent redistricting commission and tasked it with drawing the district boundaries for the state Legislature and Board of Equalization. Daniel Borenstein, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025 Brazil drove forward through goalscorer Zaneratto, who turned provider to Dudinha making the most of the space vacated by Le Tissier tasked with pushing up in the ilk of Lucy Bronze. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • While on his jobs, Colter often has close calls with law enforcement, leading Reenie, a lawyer, to swoop in and save the day.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • And most of these jobs don’t require a computer science degree or even coding skills.
    Kim Komando The Kim Komando Show, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Swets, who has expertise with special-purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), formed Greenland Exploration with his investment and merchant banking firm, FG Nexus, and agreed to merge with March GL and find a suitable SPAC to take the company public.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Sea lines of communication, or SLOCs, are the principal maritime routes between ports used for trade, military or other purposes.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Quentin, a film historian, was all over the history of his hometown and eager to learn the plans the present incumbent entrusted with running Columbia Pictures had for his movie.
    Jay Glennie, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Catholic groups and victims have long argued that the Catholic Church in Italy has yet to face up to abuse scandals and needs to entrust this to an independent body.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Grohl handled the drum duties himself on the album, and the band hired Josh Freese for the tour.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The lineup splits evenly between Indonesian talent and international helmers, with each duo sharing writing and directing duties.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Traditional narratives obscure the role slavery might have played in Texas’ drive for independence and portray the Alamo’s defenders as freedom fighters.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The performance will bring together EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, who sing for the roles of Rumi (Arden Cho ), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), respectively.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sanders has since been charged with intentionally abandoning a child younger than 15 without intent to return, a third-degree felony charge in Texas, according to court documents.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • This Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is a T+L favorite overall pick due to its four different plug types that are compatible with over 200 sockets worldwide and its ability to charge up to six devices at once.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Unlike Madden, Higginbotham didn’t have the time, clout or money to charter a private bus around the country to his assignments.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Just a few months ago Kane and his family moved from Fort Riley, Kansas, to Tampa for his wife’s new Army assignment.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Courts have weighed in on video gambling machines, including ones with cell phone charging functions.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • In March 2025, Chelsea gave PEOPLE an exclusive update on Max's health journey, explaining that their son has had to relearn basic functions and attend physical therapy.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on task

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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