Whatever we may undertake, diligence is important.
Source: tatoeba (24606)
Undertake
/ˌʌndəˈteɪk/
Synonyms for "undertake" (211 found)
Ranked by relevance and common usage.
Closest matches (43)
Strong matches (63)
Related words (105)
launch forthlaunch intolay aboutlift a fingerlight intomake a dealmake an attemptmake an effortmanagemove intoobligateofferpasspitch inpitch intoplaypledgeplunge intopracticepretend
Show 40 more words
proceedproceed topromiseprosecutepursueresolvesail intoseekset aboutset atset forwardset goingset toset to workshake hands onspecialize instand back ofstartstart instipulatestrivestrugglesweartackletaketake ontake the vowstake totake uptryturn touseventureventure onventure uponvowwade intowagewarrantwork at
Noun(26 words)
Verb(16 words)
Adjective(3 words)
Choosing the right synonym
- Closest matches in this entry: accept, accept, accept obligation, accept responsibility, act.
- Sentence evidence is available for undertake, so synonym choice can be checked against real usage rather than a flat word list.
- Ranking signals come from moby, opengloss, derived_reverse, wordnet, and related lexical sources.
Synonym selection checklist
- Match the part of speech before comparing meanings.
- Check whether the synonym changes intensity, formality, or emotional tone.
- Read the replacement inside the full sentence, not just beside "undertake".
- Prefer the clearest word over the most unusual word when writing for speed or comprehension.
When not to replace "undertake"
Keep "undertake" when the sentence already sounds natural, when a synonym would add unintended emphasis, or when readers need the most familiar wording. A synonym should clarify or sharpen the message, not simply make the sentence look more varied.
If two options seem close, choose the one that best matches the audience and purpose of the sentence.
Replacement workflow
1. Preserve meaning
Choose a synonym only if it keeps the core idea of "undertake" intact in the sentence you are editing.
2. Tune tone
Check whether the replacement sounds more formal, casual, emotional, technical, or forceful than the original word.
3. Re-read context
Read the full sentence after the swap. Keep the synonym only when the sentence becomes clearer or more precise.
Review note: Synonym lists are ranked with lexical data and reviewed for practical writing value. Use the comparison notes, sentence evidence, and source labels together; a high-ranking synonym can still be wrong when the audience, register, or grammar changes.
Final fit check
After choosing a replacement for "undertake", read the sentence once for meaning and once for rhythm. The best synonym should feel natural in the full sentence, not only accurate in a word list.
If the synonym makes the sentence slower, vaguer, or more dramatic than intended, keep "undertake" or choose a simpler alternative from the closest-match group.
Related word relations
OpenGloss and ConceptNet supply richer edges like generalizations, collocations, and derivations.
More general
15 entriesMore specific
11 entriesaccept responsibilityassume taskscarry out experimentconduct researchgive assuranceguarantee completionlaunch projectmake pledgeperform audittake dutiestake on obligations
Collocations
6 entriesundertake a projectundertake a studyundertake an auditundertake dutiesundertake obligationsundertake research
Inflections
4 entriesDerivations
1 entriesSample sentences
19 total sentences available.
I have a mind to undertake the work.
Source: tatoeba (47590)
I have half a mind to undertake the work.
Source: tatoeba (47592)
The premier announced his intention to undertake drastic reforms in parliament.
Source: tatoeba (266151)
Showing 4 of 19 available sentences.
Common questions
What are the closest synonyms for "undertake"?
Closest matches include accept, accept, accept obligation, accept responsibility, act.
How should I check whether a synonym fits "undertake"?
Compare the replacement against real sentence context. This entry includes sample sentences so you can check tone, grammar, and meaning before swapping words.