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
Within this ecosystem, sensitive operations require user authorization, while task and model scheduling help determine how requests are processed. New Atlas, 23 July 2026 Scheming against the defending state champs is already a difficult task for any coach, but the game plan got notably more intense Tuesday. Mcclain Baxley For The Ajc, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
Verb
Books are now asked to function simultaneously as texts and as lifestyle objects, and designers are now tasked with imagining multiple scales of reach simultaneously, from the bookstore table to the phone screen. Madelyn Johnson, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 Both women will be tasked with guiding the museum through the next critical phase, following its most ambitious period of growth in its 164-year history. Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • In his first job coaching a pro women’s team, Current coach Chris Armas is experiencing the ways in which a women’s squad rallies around families.
    PJ Green July 24, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • By the end of his studies, Salakhutdinov recalled, Yang turned down a job offer from a senior Apple executive who reported directly to Tim Cook.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • Beijing — For the first time, two Chinese nationals have been awarded the prestigious Fields Medal for mathematics achievement – a win hailed across China as a milestone in the country’s bid to cement its role as a science and technology powerhouse.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • The scheme change under Parker impacted Marist Liufau arguably the most of any player on the roster, as the staff moved him from an off-ball inside linebacker role to a pass-rushing outside linebacker.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • It was enabled by those most entrusted to prevent it, acting in the belief that the cause required continuity.
    Michael Sonnenfeldt, Fortune, 19 July 2026
  • But a new watchdog memo raises serious questions about whether the private contractors entrusted with that work are adequately protecting taxpayer information.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • The ritual is one of the most somber duties of a commander-in-chief.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • There have been summers when Manchester United players needed special attention from the club’s staff and fans after returning from England duty.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • The alleged purpose of the bill is to improve the retention of police and firefighters, but evidence shows there isn’t a retention crisis among these employees.
    Zachary Christensen, Oc Register, 24 July 2026
  • Selfie videos can be used for login purposes, to verify your age for accessing certain account features, and to create an AI avatar.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • Propst and Lewis are charged with two counts of first degree murder and felony conspiracy, officials said.
    Mark Price July 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026
  • Alberto Rosales, 31, is charged with manslaughter, according to the records.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • None of these books are Pulitzer Prize winners or future AP English assignments.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026
  • Pitcher Drew Thorpe began a rehab assignment Saturday with the Arizona Complex League White Sox.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • Their functions have some similarities to the red light cameras that returned to Kansas City over a year ago, but this technology also captures a lot more.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • Users can remap them to other Codex functions and replace the keycaps with matching icons from the additional set included with the device.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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