Antonyms for the phrase "take at word" include doubt, question, challenge, dispute, and reject. While "take at word" means to accept something as true without questioning it, antonyms suggest the opposite action of examining, analyzing, and verifying the validity of information. Doubt and question, for instance, encourage a critical and skeptical approach to information, whereas challenge and dispute require an active effort to find evidence that both supports and refutes a claim. Reject, on the other hand, indicates a complete dismissal of a statement or idea. Considering antonyms can help us approach information from different angles and encourage a healthy skepticism that helps us make better-informed decisions.