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
Anil Jain, global managing director at Google Cloud, said that these tools can do both simple functions like tweaking a scene’s background, or achieve more complex tasks, like creating promotional material. Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026 The momentous task of turning around its moneymaker Gucci remains a key issue. Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
Gage entered for starter Tyler Mahle in the top of the sixth with one on and two out, tasked with facing the left-handed hitting Brandon Marsh. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026 He was immediately tasked with a turnaround of the business as its stock price had fallen and earnings began to miss expectations. Lillian Rizzo,julia Boorstin, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • The jobs help generate nearly $3 billion in annual economic output, according to estimates from the Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association.
    Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • New Gallup polling finds that while more employees are using AI frequently in their work, there’s been an uptick in alarm that new technologies will replace their jobs.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That means that all of the Navy ships currently in the Middle East can play a role in enforcing a blockade.
    Luis Martinez, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Erika Eleniak, who starred in the first two seasons of the show before departing at the beginning of Season 3, will reprise her role as Shauni McClain in a guest starring capacity.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But really, this just comes at the expense of the mission that we've been entrusted to perform, on behalf of the American taxpayers — and really, the space-loving community from all across the world.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
  • As always, our priority is providing compassionate, quality care for those who entrust us with their care.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Numerous designers, including Alessandro Michele and the late Vivienne Westwood, have credited the Queen as an inspiration, not least for the kind of sturdy, tweedy daywear shown in a section devoted to her off-duty garments.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
  • When witnesses are abused and defamed simply for doing their civic duty, their lives are shattered and our entire justice system is put at risk.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This material is for illustration and discussion purposes and not intended to be, nor construed as, financial, legal, tax or investment advice.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2026
  • But the purpose of her art shifted after the events of 9/11, as the fabric of American identity was tested, and some groups, such as Sikhs, particularly those wearing traditional turbans of the faith, faced cultural discrimination and misunderstanding.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Merritt was charged with disorderly conduct and booked into the Broward County Jail.
    Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026
  • But they have not been charged and are still licensed to practice law in Louisiana.
    Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The nurse said management is still tripling assignments in the ICU and that the hospital is pulling nurses from other units to cover the shortfall who are not trained to work in the ICU.
    Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Players are responsible for organizing tables and groups; the Senior Center cannot arrange seating or table assignments.
    Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Bart argues that such promotion has a salutary social function, reaching people in underserved communities who might not otherwise be aware that they are entitled to aggressive, contingency-fee advocacy.
    Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • But in the absence of such attuned and invested adults, these panic responses can be sustained and lead to long-term changes in the way the child’s genes interact, the way the child’s brain develops and functions, and the way the child understands and interacts with others.
    Dr. Andrew Garner, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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