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Definitions

take on

VERB
assume, accept
Synonyms
WEAK
acquire add address oneself to adopt agree to do annex append attempt become begin come to have commence develop embrace employ endeavor engage enlist enroll espouse handle have a go at hire launch put on retain set about tackle take in hand take up take upon oneself try turn undertake venture
Antonyms
WEAK
refuse reject
VERB
compete
Synonyms
WEAK
attack battle contend contest encounter engage face face off fight match meet oppose pit vie
Antonyms
WEAK
refuse reject
VERB
challenge, oppose
Synonyms
WEAK
brave buck call out confront dare defy denounce dispute face-off go eyeball to eyeball with go one on one with go toe to toe with go up against hang in insist upon investigate invite competition make a stand object to question stand up to throw down the gauntlet
Antonyms
WEAK
refuse reject

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.

Celtic take on St Mirren in the other semi-final.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

McCormick will morph from a narrowly focused spices and condiments company into a much larger global foods conglomerate, and take on significant debt to do so.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

By her own account, Simmons can’t take on steady, stable employment to make sure her husband is cared for.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

Nick, you’re known to learn new skills for the roles you take on.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

I get it now—it's probably not a good idea to take on new expenses when one parent is scrounging for hours at a hardware store—but back then, I was so angry.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz