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
  • Following the ruling, Benson drowns her sorrows over cocktails with Sharpe, and, in a revealing, impeccably acted scene, airs out her grievances about her job.
    — Marlow Stern, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Hey, the boss needs a favor In a November 2025 Reddit post, one person described buying $800 in Target gift cards on their second day at a new job after receiving an email impersonating their boss.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 9 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
  • The authority entrusted to police officers carries with it an equally significant responsibility to act lawfully, ethically and with integrity.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Despite the poor performance of the PLC units entrusted with holding the coast, Abdulsalam relayed his confidence in the overall capabilities of the army.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 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
  • One of the consultants, Denver transportation attorney Brett Butzin, billed almost $130,000 for flights in a single year while charging almost $600 an hour for his services.
    — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Isaias peeled off hotel and condominium rooftops and facades along the Florida Panhandle before charging north Saturday, dishing out torrential rains and the threat of flash floods and tornadoes across the Southeast.
    — Emilie Megnien, Los Angeles Times, 10 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
  • Erik Neander’s Oura Ring, a device that monitors heart rate and stress among other functions, had been busy in the days leading up to and during the American League Division Series against the Yankees.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Oct. 2026
  • By improving the function of a protein called CFTR that maintains the balance of salt and water in the body, the drugs thin the mucus in a patient's lungs.
    — Gerry Smith, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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