task 1 of 2

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
Many employees spend their days balancing traditional tasks with new responsibilities tied to digital tools. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 The most demanding users would probably like a more potent machine, like some of the larger options here, but the Blade 14 can largely serve as your mobile media-crunching PC when needed, and normal productivity tasks are mere snacks for it. Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
The new prime minister will be tasked with addressing those fiscal challenges. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 Hyundai insists none of the detained were direct employees and has tasked its North America chief manufacturing officer, Chris Susock, with investigating contractors’ practices. Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • Duncan Wanblad, chief executive of Anglo, will take the top job and Anglo Teck while Teck’s chief executive Jonathan Price, will be his deputy.
    Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • That’s when Billy Napier accepted the Florida job.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.
    William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • In a 2004 study, the United States Institute of Peace said that hundreds of terrorist groups had migrated online, utilizing a tool meant for better communication for often nefarious purposes.
    Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The store was owned by Bonnie Henley until 2022, when it was entrusted to Stephen and Katie Hardister.
    Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Porro has been entrusted with propelling the world’s biggest high-end design trade show into the modern age during a challenging period, and exporting the fair to new global markets like Saudi Arabia.
    WWD Staff, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • By the end of the trial in September 2023, Paxton was acquitted and resumed his duties as attorney general.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The foundation's mission is deeply personal for Siller, stemming from the sacrifice of his brother, FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel on 9/11 to answer the call of duty.
    Paid Content by Tunnel to Towers, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The European Commission said Google favored its own online display services, giving its ad exchange, AdX, a central role in the adtech supply chain.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Their role is to support clients and other stakeholders to identify and take action against match manipulation, particularly those related to match betting.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The defense, despite playing without starting linebacker Wesley Bissainthe for essentially the whole game after he was charged with targeting three plays into the contest, held Bethune-Cookman (0-2) to just three points over six drives when the starters were on the field.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The Bundys and several others in the vehicles were arrested and charged with multiple federal crimes, including conspiracy to impede federal officers.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • On Tuesday, Charles hit 3-of-7 of her field goal attempts and hit all five of her free throws while taking on the assignment of guarding Storm sharpshooter Gabby Williams.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Offer Meaningful Stretch Assignments And Support Give people stretch assignments that align with their behavioral strengths while pushing them outside their comfort zone.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Gerald Genta Minute Repeater A pure minute repeater – without other high watchmaking functions as part of a grand-complication package – is a rare thing.
    Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Xt-6s really nail that balance of fashion-meets-function, with plush cushioning for long travel days and a sleek design that pairs well with everything from jeans to dresses.
    Kayla Kitts, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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