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.

There is only one way he would rather spend this World Cup, and that’s in Sweden’s yellow jersey when the country takes on Tunisia, the Netherlands, and Japan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Aigul Khismatullina, Queen of the Night, impresses with the silvery pricks of her high notes, while Kwangchul Youn’s Sarastro, unsteady in middle register, takes on weight at the bottom of his bass.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Her sentiment takes on a much more literal meaning when Corvette finds out that Christie ripped off one of her designs for Metro Designers’ latest collection.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

Then, the AI double takes on various jobs for the executive—like answering questions from subordinates—that use the human’s knowledge and communication style.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Things get complicated when a pronoun, like any good understudy, takes on different guises, depending on the roles it plays in the sentence.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner