Synonym Chooser

How does the noun duty contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of duty are assignment, chore, job, stint, and task. While all these words mean "a piece of work to be done," duty implies an obligation to perform or responsibility for performance.

the duties of a lifeguard

When is it sensible to use assignment instead of duty?

In some situations, the words assignment and duty are roughly equivalent. However, assignment implies a definite limited task assigned by one in authority.

a reporter's assignment

Where would chore be a reasonable alternative to duty?

The words chore and duty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, chore implies a minor routine activity necessary for maintaining a household or farm.

every child was assigned chores

When could job be used to replace duty?

The synonyms job and duty 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 duty?

The meanings of stint and duty largely overlap; however, stint implies a carefully allotted or measured quantity of assigned work or service.

a 2-month stint as a reporter

When can task be used instead of duty?

Although the words task and duty have much in common, task implies work imposed by a person in authority or an employer or by circumstance.

charged with a variety of tasks

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 duty The employees had worked for the United States Digital Service, but said their duties had been integrated into DOGE. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 29 May 2025 In recent months, President Donald Trump has disclosed the implementation of reciprocal tariffs, and then walked back on the higher duties by putting them on hold for an average of 90 days. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 28 May 2025 Schneider said Congress needs to reclaim its constitutional duty to impose tariffs, which the president must enforce. Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 Consider: — As Trump’s 145% levies on Chinese imports drove fears of soaring costs for consumer goods and threatened a recession, the US president agreed to roll back duties on most of those goods to 30%. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for duty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duty
Noun
  • In addition to tax cuts and reductions in federal spending, the bill phases out incentives for electric vehicles, the source of much of Tesla’s—and Musk’s—wealth and influence.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 5 June 2025
  • To fulfill President Donald Trump's plan to build America into a manufacturing powerhouse, permitting reform needs to go hand-in-hand with the administration's industrial strategy, which also includes tariffs on steel, tax cuts, and deregulation.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Enlist older children: Give age-appropriate tasks to older kids who can help with younger siblings and household responsibilities.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • That’s no easy task — even as his knees deteriorated more and more towards the end of the 2024 season, Armstead still remained a top-three player at his position, according to Pro Football Focus.
    C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • He’s expected to join AS Monaco soon, whether that’s through a loan deal with an obligation or option to buy.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency has declared that Iran is non-compliant with its nuclear obligations in a key vote.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • For manufacturing to continue growing our economy, creating jobs and developing the best products in the world, the United States must update its permitting laws and procedures.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • The unemployment rate is hovering at just over 4%, and employers have added a solid number of jobs each month.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Regulatory responsibility is another key consideration.
    Serge Beck, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The responsibility of luxury is also to show how business can be done in a way that has a positive impact on society, and to inspire others, whether people or other companies.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • The Orioles previously designated Blewett for assignment just days after acquiring him after the Minnesota Twins placed him on waivers.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • The Royals designated right-handed pitcher Thomas Hatch for assignment — he’d been recalled from Triple-A Omaha for the doubleheader — meaning Cameron remains in the majors.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Brett Bowman Long before many recognized the need for dignified, cost-effective housing, Brett Bowman envisioned mobile home communities as catalysts for opportunity and stability.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 15 June 2025
  • Though often considered difficult to breed in captivity, this collection of four egg-bearing males acts as a beacon of hope for the future of marine wildlife conservation, ultimately highlighting the need for exemplary zoos and aquariums to support the battle for preserving global biodiversity.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Duty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duty. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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