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
More recently, the actor has been taken to task for remarks made at a town hall hosted by CNN and Variety in February. Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026 Taipei, Taiwan — Taiwan’s military has grown used to the daily task of tracking Chinese warplanes flying near the island. Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
Now tasked with jumpstarting manufacturing apprenticeships nationwide, state officials have been busy fielding calls from all over the country. Andrea Hsu, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026 The motion, introduced by Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, creates a three-member ad hoc committee tasked with reviewing all pending city matters related to Measure ULA and recommending next steps. Teresa Liu, Daily News, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • The expansion also supports job growth, with the company now employing over 2,200 people across the state.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Your first childhood dream job was… A doctor like my mom or an archeologist like Indiana Jones.
    Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Ben Wang delivers a breakthrough performance in the title role as a kid who tries to conquer his anxiety issues head-on by running for class president.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Age limits inspired by Australia law won’t hamper role adults play in raising children.
    Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In choosing Rosenberg, OU not only spent heavily but entrusted the process of replacing long-time AD Joe Castiglione to a relative newcomer in the field.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Emma Williams, whose family entrusted the Hallfords to take care of her father's remains in 2022, said Carie Hallford had a choice.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Clifford and DeRozan also took on a share of the ballhandling duties.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • And local police departments and sheriff’s offices, through the 287(g) program, perform the duties of ICE while wearing their respective badges.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Most of the money went to the nonprofit Viet America Society for a meals program for seniors and the disabled, but only a fraction was spent for that purpose, according to Do’s plea agreement in 2024.
    Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 17 Mar. 2026
  • However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Addressing a crowd of at least 100,000 on Budapest's Heroes' Square, Magyar charged Orbán's government with turning Hungarians against one another through propaganda and divisive policies, and of steering the country away from its rightful place among Western democracies.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with their murder, accused of fatally stabbing them.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Right-handers Emmet Sheehan and River Ryan, along with left-hander Justin Wrobleski, are all possibilities for starting assignments early in the season.
    Jack Vita, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • In a statement to The Charlotte Observer, CLT officials explained that the airport handles the business side of operations — such as gate assignments and construction — but does not set pay or benefits for private-sector workers.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • These functions both protect users from pathogens and cut down on the labor involved in routinely cleaning the toilet.
    Ethan Stone, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Key Takeaways Vitamin B6 supports brain health, energy metabolism, immune function, and oxygen transport throughout the body.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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