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Definitions

take up arms

VERB

call to arms

Synonyms

WEAK

bid to combat gauntlet glove mobilize open hostilities rally

VERB

rebel

Synonyms

STRONGEST

defy overthrow renounce resist revolt secede

STRONG

boycott censure combat criticize denounce disobey dissent fight mutiny oppose overturn remonstrate riot strike upset

WEAK

be insubordinate break with come out against drop out get out of line insurrect make waves opt out rise up rock the boat run amok turn against

Antonyms

STRONGEST

comply give in obey surrender yield

STRONG

agree approve compliment endorse laud lose make peace praise sanction support

VERB

revolt

Synonyms

STRONGEST

defy mutiny overthrow

STRONG

arise boycott break defect oppose overturn renounce resist riot strike

WEAK

drop out get out of line insurrect make waves opt out rock the boat turn against

Antonyms

STRONGEST

give in obey surrender yield

STRONG

allow comply join support

WEAK

delight harmonize make happy please submit

VERB

rise

Synonyms

STRONG

mount mutiny resist revolt riot

WEAK

insurrect

Antonyms

STRONG

comply obey

WEAK

cooperate decline decrease descend drop fall give in go along lessen lower recede regress slump

VERB

war

Synonyms

STRONGEST

differ go to war

STRONG

attack attempt bombard challenge clash combat contend contest disagree endeavor kill meet murder oppugn shell shoot strive struggle tug

WEAK

campaign against engage in combat make war march against take on take the field against wage war

Antonyms

STRONG

agree aid be lazy give up laze protect retreat surrender

WEAK

make peace

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.

Many who had never held a weapon before rushed to take up arms.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

Another survey found 59% said they probably or definitely wouldn’t take up arms to defend their country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

“I will kiss these guys’ feet to the bitter end, as long as they just stand, take up arms and protect my daughters,” Yalunka said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2024

But his swift decision to take up arms was a warning to us all.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2024

On the first form, I answer several variations on the questions of whether I’m a communist, a criminal, or a terrorist and whether I would take up arms to defend the United States.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon

take up arms

Example Sentences

Related Words