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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
  • Cities are the engines for innovation, job creation and growth in most countries.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Rosensweig, a former top executive at Yahoo who joined Chegg as CEO in 2010, stepped down from the post in April 2024, handing the job to Schultz, who was operating chief at the time.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The stated purpose was to win a national championship like LSU’s three previous coaches, but Kelly lost at least three games in all four seasons and never got close to the CFP.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2025
  • This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Kalshi maintains it is protected by federal law, which entrusts the Commodity Futures Trading Commission with exclusive jurisdiction over commodities and futures exchanges.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Oct. 2025
  • At first, my mind was to just entrust her with (writing the song).
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The duty to settle honor scores was forced upon Rashida by his elders.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The adorable pup lies flat on their stomach, fast asleep, as their owner gently drags them through the airport queue—clearly not quite ready for a full day on duty.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The transformation comes approximately three years after going blonde for her role in the movie musical.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The training will cover key roles, including line producing, location management, post production supervision, production accounting, being an assistant director, being a production assistant, being a production coordinator, and script supervising.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 31 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
  • Daniel McFadin is a general assignment reporter who has been with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette since October 2022.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The film also birthed one of the best horror heroines in the genre's history in the form of Angela (Manuela Velasco), a TV reporter on a seemingly ordinary assignment following a group of firefighters on a night call at a Barcelona apartment building.
    Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 29 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 2 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on task

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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