task 1 of 2

noun

ˈtask How to pronounce task (audio)
Definition of tasknext
1
as in job
a piece of work that needs to be done regularly one of my tasks in the morning is to make lunches for everyone in the family

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in purpose
the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists the forklift's task is to stack pallets of goods in the warehouse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
However, the film also remains firmly rooted in the question of what is motivating them to take on this task. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025 In fact, Roan’s leaning into them to her advantage, queering the rote masculine country references and taking to task the men who leave their girlfriends with unfinished business. —Justin Curto, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
The secondary investigator is tasked with the investigation when the primary declines for whatever reason. —Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2025 The directive came last month after agents tasked with completing the background investigations had conducted interviews with a handful of top White House aides -- a standard part of the background check process. —Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for task
Recent Examples of Synonyms for task
  1. job
  2. purpose
  3. entrust
  4. duty
  5. role
  6. charge
  7. assignment
  8. function
Noun
  • The danger was obvious at Villa Park, but Justin did a better job of heading the danger away against Wolverhampton Wanderers at King Power Stadium just before Christmas… … until Wolves gathered up the second ball and Nelson Semedo clipped another high ball back into the box.
    — Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Vrabel has done a great job of maximizing rosters in the past, leading the Titans to an AFC championship with Ryan Tannehill at quarterback.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of job
Noun
  • Even identifying the most meaningful bits of driving data for training purposes from endless miles of on-road video is extremely hard to do, said an AV researcher and computer scientist briefed on Tesla’s approach who asked not to be named.
    — Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Your personal changes will offer clarity and revision and give you a purpose that makes life worth living.
    — Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • Trump also recently entrusted Vance to travel to the Munich Security Conference in Germany as the face of his administration, where Vance scolded European allies for not doing more to protect free speech.
    — Anna Giaritelli, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Mar. 2025
  • If states, pension plans and even some endowments actively invest into bitcoin and other cryptoassets those investments are – be default – being made with the funds of others that have been entrusted to fund managers.
    — Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
Definition of entrust
Noun
  • The royal looked especially thrilled to be back on duty with the Irish Guards on Monday, showing support for the British Army unit on their special day.
    — Janine Henni, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Thirteen members of the squad on duty against City have been selected by their countries for World Cup qualifiers, Nations League or friendly fixtures at senior and under-21 level.
    — Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of duty
Noun
  • Tailored Brands Omnichannel specialty retailer Tailored Brands announced that Bob Hull is stepping away from his role as the board’s executive chairman.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, federal immigration officials continue targeting student activists, following the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist detained over his role in protests at Columbia against the war in Gaza.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of role
Verb
  • He has not been charged with a crime, and some supporters have accused the government of abducting him.
    — Laura Romero, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • This is a significant clampdown on current interest charged for borrowing on card.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of charge
Noun
  • Fort Worth Star-Telegram Lillie Davidson is a general assignment reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and a TCU student studying journalism (Go Frogs!).
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The conservative House Freedom Caucus then called for Green to be stripped of his committee assignments, potentially taking away a key bully pulpit and vehicle for influencing legislation.
    — Andy Rose, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of assignment
Noun
  • Consider The Human Impact With rapid changes, unforeseen competitors and disruptions in AI markets, decision-makers should know the myriad areas, jobs, functions and human abilities that AI will replace in good time.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Wilkinson argues that Hollywood was often a vehicle that Didion used to explore a crucial idea: how narratives and storytelling function in our daily lives.
    — Abigail Lee, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of function

Phrases Containing task

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Cite this Entry

“Task.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/task. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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