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 Taking advantage of the best day of weather this spring, Hughes took on a starring role again, going 1-for-3 with three RBIs for the Warriors in a 4-3 nonconference victory at Geneva. Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 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 Back then, in the musical adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis‘ best-seller — with music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik and a book by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa — Doctor Who star Matt Smith took on New York yuppie and increasingly maniacal investment banker Patrick Bateman. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 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 Faith took on new urgency during covid. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2026 The actress met Bingham on the set of Yellowstone in 2020 when Harrison took on the role of Laramie. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for took on
Verb
  • In the third inning Rocker was faced with runners on the corners with Spencer Steer up to bat with two outs, and Rocker retired the left fielder in three pitches, ending with a ground out to third base to escape the inning with no damage.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026
  • First-year manager Kurt Suzuki said the pitchers the Angels have faced are part of the issue.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The officer is no longer employed by Baltimore Police Department and the individual no longer lives in Maryland, Bradford said.
    Chevall Pryce, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
  • More than 70 percent of the 45 million workers directly employed by India’s garment and textile industry—its second-largest employer after agriculture—are women.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The amount borrowed could be adjusted to coordinate with other proposals to help address the solvency gap, Kaine said.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
  • According to the study, 40% of medical students borrowed more than $50,000 in a single year, while 14% had lifetime federal debt of more than $200,000.
    Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Molly was safely transported back to the mainland, where Johnston met her, and the two had an emotional reunion after an eight-day ordeal.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The two friends met years ago while working for different social justice organizations.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The relationship healed after Howard was hired as Michigan’s basketball coach in 2019.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The invader is a skillful art restorer, Lori Butler (Michaela Coel), who’s been hired by Julian’s greedy children, Barnaby (James Corden) and Sallie (Jessica Gunning), to work, or pose, as their father’s new assistant.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • James Robert Conroy of New Britain adopted the dog and named it Stubby for his short tail.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2026
  • FiberColors builds on the success of Archroma’s EarthColors platform, which has now been adopted by more than 50 global brands resulting over 60 tons of plant residue from the herbal and pharmaceutical industries being recycled.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Richard Funk was unlike many of the other fraternity boys Welsh had encountered.
    Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The problems Lacy and Rogers encountered in their graduate program are exactly the kinds of issues the update to Title II of the ADA aims to fix.
    Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Dintaman and Nolan then recruited Johnson to pose as the victim in person at the state's Department of Treasury's Unclaimed Property Office to get a second copy of the check.
    Nick Lentz, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Hamm talked about playing football in high school and being recruited by three colleges.
    Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 5 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 9 Apr. 2026.

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