taking on

Definition of taking onnext
present participle of take on
1
as in facing
to enter into contest or conflict with will take on his chief opponent in the next political debate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

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 taking on Oracle is leasing Stargate's data center campus in Abilene, and has been funding the buildout by taking on tens of billions of dollars in debt. Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2026 Hurley came to UConn in 2018 to rebuild after the first losing seasons in 30 years, taking on the program Jim Calhoun forged into a national power. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 22 Mar. 2026 Rocky, who has explored his sartorial aspirations in recent years by cochairing the 2025 Met Gala and taking on positions at Ray-Ban and Puma, was on trial a year ago for a 2021 shooting involving former friend A$AP Relli. Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026 Kimber White, president of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers, credited Congress for taking on housing. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026 When Geese came back with last year’s Getting Killed, with a sound Sheffield compares to an In Rainbows cover band taking on Talking Heads’ Fear of Music, the world was more than ready. Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2026 Perveen, a partner with her father in their law firm, is excited about taking on as clients director Subhas Ghoshal and his beautiful wife, Rochana, a popular movie star who recently left a rival studio. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026 Hazel, her eyes taking on a blind look, was pale with rage. Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026 The widespread belief is the Dolphins will seek a trade partner for Tagovailoa, likely taking on a large chunk of the $54 million he is guaranteed in 2026. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taking on
Verb
  • Eastern Regional Mon Valley Police Department Police said that a 28-year-old man from Rankin will be facing multiple charges in connection with the drug bust.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • One of the biggest issues facing Wall Street and the nation recently is how long the rampant enthusiasm over artificial intelligence will last.
    Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Instead of complying, the suit claims, his parents responded by hiring lawyers.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Ganong also praised a provision in the bill that would require employers to offer existing employees additional hours before hiring more employees.
    Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • High bond yields make borrowing more expensive for average Americans, since 10-year Treasury rates influence the rates offered for a variety of loans, including mortgages and credit cards.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The jump in mortgage rates has made borrowing money for a home notably more expensive.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Monahan reveals the song was a story about meeting his wife, Amber.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The item has not been approved or denied and will be on the agenda for the Board of Estimates meeting on April 15.
    Chevall Pryce, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Giants are in town to start a three-game series, the Padres’ first NL West games of the year, and are employing their third different leadoff hitter in four games.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • As Adam reenters the dating world, his sister encourages him to view it as a fresh start, and scenic designer Milo Bue visually evokes the idea of a blank slate by employing off-whites and greys for Adam’s studio apartment in New York City.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Individuals interested in adopting are encouraged to visit the shelter at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood, Maryland.
    Janay Reece, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Secrets triumphs two to one despite Bannon adopting her own dirty tricks.
    Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Before encountering the issue, NASA officials had appeared optimistic that a successful fueling test had set the stage for a March launch.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • These spike trains often appear when fungi interact with their environment, such as encountering wood or other substrates.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The process for starting a local LifeWise includes steps like gathering signatures from the community, forming a steering committee, requesting the local school district’s approval and ultimately recruiting and training a local team to facilitate it, according to the organization’s website.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
  • If re-elected, Bolin plans to focus on recruiting and retaining high-quality educators, maintaining a strong financial position and ensuring every student, staff and family feels a sense of belonging within the school’s buildings.
    Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Taking on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taking%20on. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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