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Dictionary.com
Definitions

take the plunge

VERB
break the ice
Synonyms
WEAK
be friendly and talkative break ground cut the first turf get one's feet wet lay the first stone lead off lead the way make a start oil the works open the way pave the way set at ease smooth the path socialize start start the ball rolling
VERB
cross the Rubicon
Synonyms
WEAK
bite the bullet choose one's fate jump in with both feet leap into the breach leave a crossroads make one's move pass the Rubicon prendre la balle au bond take for better or worse take the bull by the horns
VERB
start
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appear begin commence create establish found inaugurate initiate introduce issue launch leave open set up
STRONG
activate arise arouse depart embark engender incite instigate institute light originate pioneer rise rouse spring
WEAK
come into being enter upon get going get under way go ahead hit the road lay foundation make a beginning sally forth see light set in motion set out take first step turn on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cease close conclude destroy end finish hold back keep ruin stop
STRONG
halt prevent stay
WEAK
complete die
VERB
undertake
Synonyms
STRONGEST
begin commence guarantee initiate launch offer shoulder tackle try
STRONG
agree bargain commit contract covenant devote embark endeavor hazard move pledge promise stake stipulate venture volunteer
WEAK
address oneself answer for commit oneself enter upon fall into go about go for go in for go into have a hand in have a try make a run at pitch in set about set in motion set out take on take upon oneself try out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cease complete conclude deny end finish neglect refuse stop
STRONG
break disagree discourage stay
WEAK
abstain forego forget
VERB
volunteer
Synonyms
STRONGEST
come forward enlist sign up step forward suggest
STRONG
advance present proffer propose tender
WEAK
bring forward chip in do on one's own volition go in let oneself in for offer services put at one's disposal put forward speak up stand up submit oneself take bull by the horns take initiative take upon oneself
Antonyms
STRONG
take back
WEAK
compel force obligate

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.

Buy a picture frame from a reputable brand, and take the plunge on a video-streaming subscription or two.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

And while the team is exploring domestic manufacturing options, it has yet to take the plunge because it will likely be more expensive.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

There are other interested suitors—Sens. Thom Tillis and Chuck Grassley among them—who might take the plunge.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2025

We decided to take the plunge, and our mortgage payment more than doubled in the process, going from $2,150 to $4,650.

From Salon • Nov. 28, 2024

It wasn't like I was going to be the first in my immediate family to take the plunge and become a citizen.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi