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 question that will determine the fate of these and other Western open-source players is whether businesses and agencies will tolerate less advanced models for some tasks in exchange for affordability and control. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Thankfully, Prime Day has a number of discounts on desks, office chairs, file storage, and even stylish task lamps. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
Bloys will be tasked with overseeing a sprawling streaming empire, one that will be among the biggest in the world. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026 Skydance has agreed to establish a five-member board of journalists tasked with protecting the independence of CNN and CBS to assuage concerns about political interference. — Miriam Waldvogel, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • Her first job as CEO in 2014 was to remake the century-old company’s corporate culture and regain customers’ trust following a tragic, reputation-wrecking ignition-switch crisis.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But when Angus shows up at Johnny’s job and makes fun of him in front of all his corporate-jerk friends, Johnny stands up for himself via a right hook.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Malhotra, one of India’s most experienced execs and producers, launched Abundantia back in 2013 after exiting a role as COO of Viacom18 Motion Pictures and a shorter spell leading Balaji Motion Pictures.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Misheck Mutize, AfCRA’s chief architect, acknowledged that the agency’s main role would be to steer Africa’s $4 trillion savings into African assets rather than changing how foreign investors see the continent.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Institutions ensure that responsibility survives the individuals entrusted with it.
    — Walid Chiniara, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The board is entrusted with the educational, physical and financial well-being of the district.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Chief Split How will Ellison and Kreiz handle individual duties?
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Troops with mild traumatic brain injuries and hit by shrapnel often returned to duty quickly in Iraq and Afghanistan.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Other independents in the Senate, including Maine's Angus King on the moderate end and Vermont's Bernie Sanders on the left, caucus with Democrats for organizational purposes and committee assignments.
    — NICHOLAS INGRAM, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • These varietals are not only tolerant to the high desert environment, but they were also planted with the sole purpose of conserving water and controlling run-off.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • King County prosecutors charged 33 people with crimes for the May 2025 riot at UW.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged with preparation of acts of terrorism between May 2024 and July 2026, including against Nigel Farage, the leader of the populist Reform UK party, according to British police and prosecutors.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Guys will make a mistake that will lead to busted assignments, penalties, big plays for the opponents, if not a touchdown.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Earlier this year, Vollmann traveled to Cuba on assignment for Granta Magazine with his friend, Sacramento attorney Mark Merin.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • To find the proof for zeta(3), Apéry sandwiched the function between two infinite series that converged at just the right speed to ensure zeta(3) must be irrational.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The effect is a perfectly personal home for two people who wanted fantasy, but not at the cost of function.
    — Camille Okhio, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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