TAKES ON Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

takes on

verb

present tense third-person singular of take on

as in faces

to enter into contest or conflict with will take on his chief opponent in the next political debate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in employs

to provide with a paying job decided to take her on as store manager

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in borrows

to take for one's own use (something originated by another) recently arrived immigrants who are eager to take on the language and culture of their adopted homeland

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of takes on Indiana takes on Nebraska in a Big 10 matchup that sees both teams coming in at 5-0 for the season. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026 Clarks x Damson Madder Damson Madder x Clarks Originals collection, which launched Thursday, features two fresh takes on Clarks archive styles. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2026 Closing out the evening at Louis Armstrong Stadium, American Learner Tien takes on Russian Karen Khachanov, hoping to join compatriots Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen in the last eight. — Reuters, NBC news, 7 Sep. 2026 Newport Harbor is 9-0 and takes on Edison and Marina in league matches this week before beginning play in the Dave Mohs tournament. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Hylton takes on a task that has for many years been anchored by Alex Witt. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 If no candidate secures a majority of the vote in Tuesday's primary, the contest could head to a runoff later this month to determine who takes on Democrat Annie Andrews in November. — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 Shadowbox takes on management of Kaufman Astoria after a tumultuous period at the studios. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026 Joshua takes on heavyweight contender Kristian Prenga in the main event of an overall strong card. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for takes on

Verb

Prosecutors said Wilcox faces a maximum sentence of 74 years to life in prison.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Despite seeking international support and launching a new military offensive, Saudi Arabia faces a conflict with no clear endgame, as fragmented allies and unresolved regional tensions make a lasting solution hard to achieve.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of faces

Verb

The program is different from places like The Golden Scoop, an ice cream shop in Overland Park that employs adults with disabilities over longer terms, according to Morgan.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026
According to the site’s masthead, the operation—including its video production arm, Texas FilmWorks—employs a staff of more than 40.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of employs

Verb

The Edge borrows much of the Pixel Watch’s design language as far as widgets and user interface go.

— Victoria Song, The Verge, 12 Oct. 2026
Occasionally, VisionQuest does this in a clever way, as with an inventive late sequence that borrows from WandaVision‘s sitcom language.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of borrows

Verb

Verity can’t finish her book series for mysterious reasons, so Jeremy hires Lowen to do so for her.

— Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Whether that is a potential path forward is impossible to predict until Crane hires a new head of baseball operations.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of hires

Verb

The 20-plus-piece collection adopts a modular system and adjustable silhouettes.

— Denni Hu, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Before the city or state adopts or regulates an AI tool that touches housing, jobs, benefits or immigration, the people affected should be asked first.

— Steven Choi, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of adopts

Verb

The most important job of the General Assembly is to adopt a state budget, in a timely manner, that meets the moment and invests in the future.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
On the prison bus, Thomas meets Lisa, his con-artist partner-to-be from episode one.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of meets

Verb

Street Fighters Ryu and Ken reunite when Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the World Warrior Tournament.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Bénédictine is composed of 27 herbs and spices and bottled at 80 proof, which all seems like a lot, except when compared to Yellow Chartreuse, which recruits some 130 herbs and spices, and is currently bottled at 86 proof.

— Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026