took on

Definition of took onnext
past tense of take on

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 took on Matt Shaw of the Chicago Cubs took on a stunning amount of hate for attending the memorial service of his close friend, Charlie Kirk, following his assassination. Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026 Martinez’s freedom comes after attorneys with the Korey Wise Innocence Project, an organization within the University of Colorado Law School that provides free legal services to people who claim to be wrongfully convicted, took on his case about four years ago. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026 International Literary Properties took on the role after entering into a strategic partnership with The University of the South in 2025. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026 Jafaar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson, took on his first acting role to play his uncle, Michael Jackson, in the biopic. Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026 This work took on new significance following the tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia crew in February 2003. Emily A. Margolis, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026 Holt, who took on the role of team president earlier this month, served as the president of the United Soccer League from 2009 to 2015. Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026 The special game was scheduled for March 16, when the Hawks took on the Orlando Magic in State Farm Arena. Irene Wright, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026 Ellis took on several pseudonyms over the years, including Three-Six, the Spirit, Big Dotti, and Terror Child. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for took on
Verb
  • That moment, over a quarter of a century in the making, came in December 2025 when Tiffani McInnis—flanked by supporters—faced her mother's killer in a courtroom.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • During its high-stakes re-entry through Earth’s atmosphere, the Orion capsule faced extreme temperatures nearing 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Denise Chow, NBC news, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The lawsuit, filed Monday in Cass County Circuit Court, accuses the furniture company of failing to conduct a thorough background check on Enrique Lopez-Martinez, who was employed by a flooring company NFM contracted with to do the removal of old carpeting and installation of new.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
  • But, as pointed out on Epicurious, the go-to website for foodies, the word elicits substantial reader backlash even when employed to describe chicken and cakes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Something borrowed Abby Rodriguez lends Sophie Janinet a veil for her wedding.
    Dania Maxwell, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
  • While the school waited for uniforms to be made, the basketball team borrowed uniforms from a local team for a game.
    Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Several of the Dodgers players met with Cubs outfielder Michael Conforto prior to Friday’s game to give him his 2025 World Series championship ring.
    Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Demidov’s wrist shot met with a pad save.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The industry first broke into my social circle, in Shanghai, in January, when a German filmmaker friend was hired to join a set in Xi’an, the ancient capital known for its terra-cotta warriors.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Connelly hired Booth away from Minnesota in 2017.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Cambodian lawmakers unanimously adopted a new law in March targeting online scam operations with up to life in prison, following a government pledge to shut down the centers by the end of April.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Under legislation adopted in 2023, those documents are publicly filed on the secretary of state’s campaign finance website.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This project encountered several delays, and POSCO dropped it a few years ago due to difficulties in acquiring land, according to a Reuters report.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
  • And yes, any one person who does it might not be encountered often, but the older person may encounter it multiple times (from different people) in the same week.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Director Nick Castle’s 1984 sci-fi adventure of a trailer park kid recruited to join an interstellar war against Xur and the ruthless Ko-Dan Armada is still a fantastic flick over 40 years after its original theatrical release.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Combs had been one of two portfolio managers recruited by Warren Buffett to help oversee the conglomerate’s equity holdings.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Took on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/took%20on. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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