Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

take up arms

VERB
call to arms
Synonyms
WEAK
bid to combat gauntlet glove mobilize open hostilities rally
VERB
rebel
Synonyms
STRONGEST
defy overthrow renounce resist revolt secede
STRONG
boycott censure combat criticize denounce disobey dissent fight mutiny oppose overturn remonstrate riot strike upset
WEAK
be insubordinate break with come out against drop out get out of line insurrect make waves opt out rise up rock the boat run amok turn against
Antonyms
STRONGEST
comply give in obey surrender yield
STRONG
agree approve compliment endorse laud lose make peace praise sanction support
VERB
revolt
Synonyms
STRONGEST
defy mutiny overthrow
STRONG
arise boycott break defect oppose overturn renounce resist riot strike
WEAK
drop out get out of line insurrect make waves opt out rock the boat turn against
Antonyms
STRONGEST
give in obey surrender yield
STRONG
allow comply join support
WEAK
delight harmonize make happy please submit
VERB
rise
Synonyms
STRONG
mount mutiny resist revolt riot
WEAK
insurrect
Antonyms
STRONG
comply obey
WEAK
cooperate decline decrease descend drop fall give in go along lessen lower recede regress slump
VERB
war
Synonyms
STRONGEST
differ go to war
STRONG
attack attempt bombard challenge clash combat contend contest disagree endeavor kill meet murder oppugn shell shoot strive struggle tug
WEAK
campaign against engage in combat make war march against take on take the field against wage war
Antonyms
STRONG
agree aid be lazy give up laze protect retreat surrender
WEAK
make peace

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Another survey found 59% said they probably or definitely wouldn’t take up arms to defend their country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

“I will kiss these guys’ feet to the bitter end, as long as they just stand, take up arms and protect my daughters,” Yalunka said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2024

But his swift decision to take up arms was a warning to us all.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2024

He says he never liked guns, but felt compelled to take up arms when Russia invaded.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2023

This agreement enabled Mark Antony to take up arms again and finish what he so disastrously started.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby