Definitions

undertake

[uhn-der-teyk] / ˌʌn dərˈteɪk /

VERB

attempt, engage in

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 the plunge 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

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.

The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States undertake to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026

Brussels is also expected to impose sovereignty criteria for public contracts in the cloud and AI sectors, and wants to force governments to undertake "sovereignty risk assessments" to identify European providers when needed.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

Home-improvement retailers–which rely on housing turnover to drive sales since homeowners often undertake remodeling projects before selling or after buying a home–are trying to cope with a stubbornly slow housing market.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

It might be similar to the institution-building in the first years of the Federal Republic of Germany, or what the new government of Hungary must now undertake.

From Salon • May 18, 2026

So then, there seems little reason why I should not undertake my motoring trip to the West Country.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Vocabulary lists containing undertake

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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Franklin D. Roosevelt, "A Date That Will Live In Infamy" (1941)

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The Mayflower Compact (1620)

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