duties

11 synonyms for duties, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — Plural of duty: the specific tasks and responsibilities a person is required to carry out as part of a job or role.

Synonyms

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

excise

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

responsibilities tasks obligations functions remit tariffs levies customs charges moral obligations commitments

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

Plural of duty: the specific tasks and responsibilities a person is required to carry out as part of a job or role.

“Her duties include opening the shop and cashing up at close.”

responsibilities tasks obligations functions remit

2. noun

Plural of duty: taxes charged by a government on goods, especially goods being imported or exported.

“Customs duties on imported steel rose sharply this year.”

tariffs levies customs charges excise

3. noun

Plural of duty: moral obligations, the things a person feels bound to do.

“He spoke of the duties we owe to future generations.”

obligations moral obligations commitments

How to use duties

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

duties include official duties light duties customs duties duties and responsibilities relieved of his duties

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman 'duete', from Old French 'deu' (owed), ultimately from Latin 'debere' (to owe).

Full origin of duties →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between duties and responsibilities?

Duties are the concrete tasks you are required to perform, such as filing reports or locking up. Responsibilities are the broader outcomes you are answerable for, such as the safety of the team. In job adverts the two words are often used interchangeably.

What are customs duties?

They are taxes a government charges on goods crossing its border, usually on imports. The rate depends on the type of goods and where they come from, and the importer normally pays before the shipment is released.

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excise remit

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