take on

verb

took on; taken on; taking on; takes on

transitive verb

1

a

: to begin to perform or deal with : undertake

took on new responsibilities

b

: to contend with as an opponent

took on the neighborhood bully

2

: engage, hire

3

a

: to assume or acquire as or as if one's own

the city's plaza takes on a carnival air

—W. T. LeViness

b

: to have as a mathematical domain or range

what values does the function take on

intransitive verb

: to show one's feelings especially of grief or anger in a demonstrative way

she cried, and took on like a distracted body

—Daniel Defoe

Synonyms

• battle
• encounter
• engage
• face
• meet

Example Sentences

will take on his chief opponent in the next political debate

decided to take her on as store manager

Recent Examples on the Web

The report detailed trips Thomas took on Crow's private plane and luxury yacht, as well as vacations to Crow's private resort in New York and a ranch in Texas. —Stefan Becket, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2023

Many drivers began to notice that highways and interstates were taking on a new purple hue lighting scheme. —Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2023

Nesmith took on Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. —Dustin Dopirak, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Apr. 2023

After more than two years as the interim president of GateWay Community College, Amy Diaz will take on the role permanently, officials said Wednesday. —Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 6 Apr. 2023

The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh dealt a blow Wednesday to believers hoping to nosh on franks or chicken fingers while watching the Pirates take on the Chicago White Sox in Pittsburgh’s home opener. —Marisa Iati, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2023

Camilla took on the title of Queen Consort following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband’s accession to the throne. —Alexandra Meeks, CNN, 5 Apr. 2023

The Detroit Tigers take on the Boston Red Sox at 1:10 p.m. Thursday at Comerica Park, and loyal fans as well as tailgaters and casual revelers are gearing up for Opening Day festivities. —Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 5 Apr. 2023

Caplan and Jackson take on the roles of Alex (originally played by Glenn Close) and Dan (Michael Douglas in the film). —Town & Country, 4 Apr. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

take on

verb

1

: to struggle with as an opponent

2

: employ entry 1 sense 2

took on more workers

3

: to acquire (as an appearance or quality) as one's own

take on weight

4

: to make an unusual show of one's feelings especially of grief or anger

don't take on so