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.

See Examples For:

takes on

It takes on average about six weeks to begin generating revenue from those assets, and the lag results in a hit to earnings.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

Eagle Rock Ranch oxtail takes on smoke beautifully, allowing for mostly hands-off cooking.

From Salon ● Jul. 12, 2026

"Military reconnaissance takes on a different meaning under a state-to-state approach, as intelligence activities targeting another sovereign state can carry diplomatic implications," he told AFP.

From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026

Former WBC heavyweight champion Fury, 37, will face Poland's Mariusz Wach in Thailand on 24 July, while two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua, 36, takes on Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia the following day.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

When he talks about Allys, Ethan’s voice takes on an edge I hadn’t heard before.

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson