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Definitions

take 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 face off 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 combined company, which will operate as Honk Technologies, aims to take on AAA.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Utilities often take on heavy amounts of debt to build and maintain power grids.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Intel could also monetize its stakes in Mobileye and Altera and take on more debt, he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

Arsenal will hope to book their place in the final when they take on the winner between Lyon and Wolfsburg - who play each other on Thursday night.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

“Honey, I’m sixty-four years old. I can’t take on you and Boo at my age.”

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.