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

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
Leyla’s stories often deal with an ordinary task or sensation that connects the character to some higher realm of experience. Sabrina Jaszi, The Dial, 28 May 2026 This is propelled by the synergistic growth of its EPYC server CPUs, which continue to capture substantial market share from Intel, along with its Instinct AI accelerators (MI300 series), which are establishing themselves as the main credible competitor to Nvidia for AI tasks. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Verb
Secretaries were also tasked with identifying repeat audit findings where additional resources would be needed to solve issues, among other directives from the governor. Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 28 May 2026 As a rookie, Egbuka was tasked with playing all four receiver positions. Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • Next time let’s do our job and bring it to my front door REAL TIME.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 25 May 2026
  • Rudd has previously spoken candidly about working odd jobs in the '90s while pursuing his dream of being a working actor.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • The role of a leader is to show the way to work.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • That principle still holds, but the cycle time has compressed and is reshaping the leadership role itself.
    Lior Weinstein, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Other league commissioners, including the NBA’s Silver, are entrusted with that role.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 May 2026
  • There’s a similar mismatch happening with fourth lines in the series, too, with Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour entrusting William Carrier, Mark Jankowski and Eric Robinson with key minutes and being rewarded with three key goals already in this series.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • Madix took over hosting duties in 2024.
    Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
  • Her effortless, model-off-duty style rarely misses.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • For tax purposes, the Collin County Appraisal District valued the property at nearly $2 million.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
  • For Morrison, that’s the purpose of having open-endedness.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • Additionally, the brand’s pet fees are typically capped at $40 per day, making the chain more affordable than the $50 to $100 fees charged by many other hotel brands.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 25 May 2026
  • The backpack also has water bottle holders and an exterior charging port for topping up your phone battery on the go.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • Maya Rosenberg Maya Rosenberg is an assignment editor based in Miami.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 28 May 2026
  • In Coursemojo’s case, Toll said the tool draws on grade-level texts, questions, and writing assignments from English language arts curricula already adopted by districts.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Scarecrows, reflective streamers, predator decoys, strobe lights or lasers, and balloons with eye patterns all serve this function.
    Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 24 May 2026
  • The systems also support other advanced functions.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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