taskmaster

noun

task·​mas·​ter ˈtask-ˌma-stər How to pronounce taskmaster (audio)
Synonyms of taskmasternext
: one that imposes a task or burdens another with labor

Synonyms of taskmaster

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Examples of taskmaster in a Sentence

pitiless taskmaster that he was, Ebenezer Scrooge only reluctantly let his ill-paid clerk have Christmas Day off known as a tough but fair taskmaster
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Embree was never an in-your-face taskmaster. — Jesse Newell, New York Times, 7 May 2026 The leader's role transforms from that of a taskmaster to a facilitator. — Cuong Nguyen Cao, Forbes.com, 17 Mar. 2026 Still, as the day progresses, Mercury approaches a square to taskmaster Saturn, which becomes exact very early tomorrow. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026 Some of the movie is an acid satire of pre-wedding rituals — like the first dance that Charlie and Emma are dutifully rehearsing for, with a ridiculously stern taskmaster of a coach. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for taskmaster

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of taskmaster was in 1530

Rhymes for taskmaster

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Browse Nearby Words

task group
taskmaster
taskmastership
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Cite this Entry

“Taskmaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taskmaster. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

taskmaster

noun
task·​mas·​ter -ˌmas-tər How to pronounce taskmaster (audio)
: one that assigns a task or burdens another with labor
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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