Synonyms of task

task 1 of 2

noun

ˈtask 

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

• job
• duty
• assignment
• project
• chore
• mission
• function
• responsibility
• endeavor
• errand
• undertaking
• operation
• post
• enterprise
• office
• stint
• commission
• care
• route
• chare
• char
• charge
• circuit
• round

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

• purpose
• role
• job
• function
• work
• part
• position
• mission
• capacity
• place
• business
• rôle
• duty
• situation
• participation
• concern
• involvement
• activity
• vocation
• office
• responsibility
• assignment
• occupation
• hand
• post
• use
• service
• pursuit
• affair
• niche
• calling
• commission
• employ
• charge

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

• entrust
• charge
• assign
• trust
• intrust
• impose
• commission
• delegate
• recommend
• commit
• confer
• allocate
• empower
• confide
• consign
• authorize
• relegate
• allot
• repose
• invest

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

Recent Examples of task

Noun

Find the most mundane tasks, the ones that must get done for the business to operate, but no one wants to do. —Rob Thomas, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025

Rutgers, meanwhile, has lost three in a row and now faces the unenviable task of attempting to strip down one of the most intimidating offenses in the nation. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025

Verb

Isak was one of five Liverpool players tasked with occupying defenders across the opposition back five, while Ryan Gravenberch — constantly looking to receive the ball between United’s pressing centre-forwards, turning, and driving into midfield — was the main supplier. —Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025

Doug Petno, co-head of commercial and investment banking, was tasked with looking at the ground floor and lobby. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025

Phrases Containing task

• take to task