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

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
On the other hand, the Instant Pot Duo is more basic and can perform seven tasks but is also much more affordable. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 The new Extra Marriage Gift Set does not, of course, break down the components completely—an impossible task, considering how many whiskies are in the blend. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 14 May 2026
Verb
In the film, the Mandalorian is tasked by Sigourney Weaver’s Colonel Ward of the New Republic to rescue Rotta the Hutt, voiced by Jeremy Allen White. Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026 Morris’ even-keel nature, and a 96 mph fastball, is leading to increasingly more opportunities such as Wednesday’s, when the rookie was tasked with closing the game. Dan Hayes, New York Times, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • Next time let’s do our job and bring it to my front door REAL TIME.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 25 May 2026
  • Rudd has previously spoken candidly about working odd jobs in the '90s while pursuing his dream of being a working actor.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • Tyrique George, after a more prominent role at the beginning of the campaign, has spent his 2026 on loan at Everton and has featured consistently from the bench — but without scoring in his 10 league appearances.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • The skilled staff have to wear more than one hat at this camp, everyone has multiple roles to play and multiple skill sets.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Verb
  • Other league commissioners, including the NBA’s Silver, are entrusted with that role.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 May 2026
  • There’s a similar mismatch happening with fourth lines in the series, too, with Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour entrusting William Carrier, Mark Jankowski and Eric Robinson with key minutes and being rewarded with three key goals already in this series.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • Uthmeier has also argued that the government has a duty to protect children who didn’t have a say in not being raised by both biological parents.
    Ann Marie Luft, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
  • The bipartisan support for the measure comes at a time when federal closures have become longer and more frequent, frustrating lawmakers who say there should be punishment when Congress fails at its most basic legislative duty.
    Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • For tax purposes, the Collin County Appraisal District valued the property at nearly $2 million.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
  • For Morrison, that’s the purpose of having open-endedness.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • Additionally, the brand’s pet fees are typically capped at $40 per day, making the chain more affordable than the $50 to $100 fees charged by many other hotel brands.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 25 May 2026
  • The backpack also has water bottle holders and an exterior charging port for topping up your phone battery on the go.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • Her assignment was to help the Gaza Health Ministry restore access to health care in the north, where Israeli attacks had flattened nearly every building in sight.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • The three-year varsity starter understood the assignment.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Scarecrows, reflective streamers, predator decoys, strobe lights or lasers, and balloons with eye patterns all serve this function.
    Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 24 May 2026
  • The systems also support other advanced functions.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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