taking on

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 In the case of Yemen, the ground fighters inside the country who are taking on the Houthis are deeply divided and fought each other as recently as January. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 The sharp selloff in bonds has given investors a rare opportunity to lock in stock-market-like returns without taking on the risk that comes with equities, investment advisors to the ultra-wealthy told CNBC. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026 Established in 2022, the Albies showcase the achievements of individuals who have dedicated their life to pursuing justice on a global scale, often taking on great personal risk in the process. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026 Pugh also serves as an executive producer on East of Eden, taking on a central role in the creation of the series since she was brought on in 2020. — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026 Her whole mission in taking on that case was to do it differently than the other case. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026 For the hunter, Hussey said, taking on the Hansenesque hero role is appealing. — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026 Then the evening slate is highlighted by the Yankees battling Tampa, and finally, the Padres taking on the Brewers. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026 Most significantly, Jessica Lange returns to American Horror Story for the first time since Apocalypse, once again taking on her season-one role as Constance, the nosy neighbor who lived next door to the Murder House. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taking on
Verb
  • Hickel, meanwhile, distinguished the uncertainty facing professional employment from the enduring ability to create art.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • City Hall said Monday's announcement came in response to the retirement of an officer facing internal disciplinary charges over the death of 19-year-old Win Rozario, who was fatally shot by officers in 2024 during a mental health crisis.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Bailey and Michael have been federally indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in connection with allegations involving the hiring process.
    — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • When spending drops, prices and wages don't quickly and flexibly adjust to keep people buying and businesses hiring.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In 2024, the CFPB proposed a rule that would require the disclosure of tips and fees as finance charges as an APR, or the total yearly cost of borrowing money.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Concerns that tech companies are borrowing too much for the AI buildout sent neoclouds like CoreWeave , which has seen its total debt rise to more than $51 billion , plunging 25% last week.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Sessions this year addressed such topics as AI, workforce development, student success, campus safety and ways colleges can adapt to changing technology while meeting students' needs.
    — Brandon Smith, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Investigators also discovered that Alfozan had used a workplace productivity tool to research company buildings, conference room locations, meeting schedules, and areas frequented by executives.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But while many data center projects have run aground, others are still getting built — and the companies behind them are employing experts like Nicole Thomas to smooth the way.
    — Dustin DeSoto, Vox, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Plus, data centers aren’t acting with haste or employing new innovations.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Readers with persistent scalp issues should still consult a dermatologist before adopting any new routine.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The transition to non-fossil energy has its own inflationary impacts, from the costs to heavy industry of adopting new technologies to the production costs of critical minerals.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Yiyun Li on encountering the past in writing Music Against the Night.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Skipping furnace servicing can also heighten your risk of encountering problems like carbon monoxide leaks, poor air quality, and airflow, and inconsistent heating.
    — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Hospitality, retail and tech are recruiting people who’ve already solved the problem banks are trying to solve, just in a different building.
    — Paul Davis, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The 30-second teaser sees Jackson hustling around town, making money and recruiting his team of crooks.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Taking on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taking%20on. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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