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 incident and conflicting user experiences highlight some of the challenges of relying on smart devices for critical tasks, like ensuring a furry loved one gets food. Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026 While the child and her mother play in the sand, the father tackles the seemingly impossible task of setting up a tent to provide shelter. Matilda Hague, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
Hugging Face clearly demonstrated that an AI agent, when tasked with a specific goal, can navigate around the barriers intended to restrict it. Shlomo Kramer, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 The organization tasked with enforcing its own rules is constantly reacting to another lawsuit filed in state or federal court by an athlete seeking an additional year of eligibility. Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
Noun
  • The Republican nominee also said the work agreements that allow many state employees to perform their jobs remotely need reform as well.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In 2004, Norris took a job as an editorial manager of publications at the Joint Commission in Oakbrook Terrace.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Scorpio October 23 – November 21 A group plan can improve when the roles become clearer.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Getting the role wasn’t any sort of immediate windfall either.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Consumers are also entrusting AI with consequential financial tasks.
    Nicole Casperson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Steve Schultz, senior vice president of Purdue University, said the institution is in discussions with the government of Kiribati over a potential agreement that would entrust Purdue with custody of the wreckage.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Local manufacturing could eventually lower vehicle prices by avoiding import duties while stimulating investment in charging infrastructure, component manufacturing and battery production.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Whether winning us over with her glamorous red carpet-ready style or inspiring us with chic off-duty outfits, Gerber has developed a distinct point of view that is truly noteworthy.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But, rather than demolish the historic bridge, it was preserved and given a new purpose.
    Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The purpose of the RIMPAC demonstration was to showcase a new artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) sonar processing system called SensorMAX.
    David Szondy August 12, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) charged him with defrauding Punjab National Bank of roughly $2 billion.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Both Dowen and Almeida were charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute MDA.
    Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Sox called up Smith and fellow pitching prospect Tanner McDougal from Triple-A Charlotte before Saturday’s game, optioning pitchers Noah Schultz and David Sandlin to Charlotte and designating pitcher Wikelman González for assignment.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The former top infield prospect the Giants acquired from the Red Sox last week is set to begin an injury rehab assignment at Triple-A, and could soon join the mix.
    Devin Bradshaw, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The device, called a programmable dynamic memtransistor (PDM), combines the memory function of a storage device with the computing function of a transistor.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Aug. 2026
  • For companies that have to hire a handful of new workers every year across 20 or 50 departments or functions, the math doesn’t work.
    Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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