took on

Jump To:

assume, accept v.
compete v.
challenge, oppose v.

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:

took on

But as afternoon winds whipped up and the seas grew rough, the boat took on water as they returned to shore and began to sink about 600 yards off Alcatraz Island.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026

Together, they took on gigs as backup singers, including on Marvin Gaye’s early songs “Hitch Hike” and “Pride and Joy.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026

Banton then took on the charge, clubbing four sixes in his 24-ball knock as England remain unbeaten in the shortest format this summer.

From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026

Or with arcane historical trivia, like the magazine capacity of the air rifle Lewis and Clark took on their westward expedition in the early 1800s.

From Slate ● Sep. 16, 2026

“Those extra hours we took on added up.”

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray