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.

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

The WHO has advised DR Congo and Uganda, two countries with confirmed cases, to undertake cross-border screenings to avoid the virus from spreading.

From BBC • May 18, 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

The bank made clear in a 2024 memorandum to staff that the Budapest analysts “are not licensed to undertake any regulated activities,” including direct contact with clients and any handling of know-your-customer processes.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

I, whose prowess in the water barely transcended a doggy paddle, undertake a swim of such scale that it could be traced on the map!

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

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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