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

Discovery nearly drowned in debt that it took on to finance its $43-billion buyout from AT&T in 2022.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2026

Ethel Caterham, who lives at Hallmark Lakeview Care Home in Lightwater, took on the mantle in April 2025 after the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas at the age of 116.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

The corona took on an unusually rich golden hue.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 20, 2026

Moss said he has been a “leader on some of these consequential fights in Michigan, from gun safety to voting rights—lent me a lot of credibility as somebody who took on progressive issues.”

From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2026

Badwa’s voice took on a more stoic tone.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray