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.

The team from South America chose to spend this summer in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and occasionally leave the beach when it takes on Saudi Arabia, Cabo Verde and Spain in the group stage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 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

With Hypershell’s X Ultra S and similar personal exoskeletons, AI takes on the great outdoors.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

But ‘The Pitt’ delivered the best season with its slow-burn look at the beleaguered state of American healthcare and the toll it takes on those who work in the system.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

When a human being is fed upon and consumed by one of them, especially in Africa, the event is telescoped against horizons of space and time, and takes on a feeling of immense antiquity.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston