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

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 addition, the attached Barrington Farm offered the President Anson Jones home where living-history participants worked the vegetable garden and baked bread in a detached kitchen, among other tasks. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026 The Thunder pose a tall task many teams haven’t handled well this season, even without their second All-Star Jalen Williams, who’s been limited to 26 games this season due to injury. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
Since stepping into his role as vice president of product for Gmail in January 2025, Blake Barnes has been tasked with shepherding one of the internet’s most beloved platforms into the generative AI revolution. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026 He has been tasked with acquiring and developing IP as well as adapting Audiochuck’s podcast franchises for global streamers. Peter White, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • Provost has pledged to use those lessons learned, with labor unions awaiting details as to whether this will have implications for jobs in France.
    Albertina Torsoli, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
  • As of December 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported over 400,000 job openings.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Fingerprints of climate change Although natural variability played a role, Swain sees the fingerprints of climate change in several aspects of winter weather, including cold snaps.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Google is facing a wrongful death lawsuit alleging that its Gemini chatbot played a role in the suicide of a 36-year-old Florida man.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Lilian, Jeremy, and the two naturalists went to search again, while Anna and Phillip were entrusted to get everyone else safely back.
    Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Jackson's body was entrusted to Leevy's Funeral in Columbia.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Peters was found guilty of three counts of attempting to influence a public servant and one count each of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, first-degree official misconduct, violation of duty and failure to comply with the requirements of the secretary of state.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026
  • This cosmic support guides your efforts to find a workable rhythm to your daily duties at home.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Natanz facility was built for uranium enrichment purposes.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The purpose is to foster humility, reduce a person’s anxiety by releasing their need for control and provide an external source of strength for long-term recovery.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Rio’s Civil Police said the four young men in pretrial detention will be charged with rape, while a fifth suspect — a minor — turned himself in Friday to face an equivalent charge under juvenile law.
    Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • She has not been charged with any crime.
    Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The first seeks to remove him from his assignments on the House Appropriations and Homeland Security committees, while the second seeks to censure him.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026
  • His run in Chicago ended with an opener assignment in the deciding Game 5 of the National League Division Series against his former club, the Brewers.
    Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • For example, this travel wrap, with more than 8,300 five-star ratings, functions as a cardigan, poncho, cape, and shawl.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • In early March 2025, Morales issued a delegation order designating Lake to perform almost all functions and responsibilities assigned to the CEO job.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 8 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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