takes 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 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.

There is only one way he would rather spend this World Cup, and that’s in Sweden’s yellow jersey when the country takes on Tunisia, the Netherlands, and Japan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

I remember I was so embarrassed, but I didn’t understand it’s not the role of a story editor to be giving feedback to the cast between takes on a show.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

“My City of Ruins,” the song he wrote for his beloved Asbury Park in the pre-gentrification days, takes on a larger role.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

For week 38, he takes on singer-songwriter and Arsenal fan Sam Tompkins.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Immediately Vishnu takes on his full cosmic size.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel