Took stab is a phrase that connotes an attempt to try something out or to take a chance. Its antonyms would, therefore, be words that imply the opposite, such as avoid, retreat, or withdraw. To avoid something is to deliberately stay away from it, whereas to take stab is to actively try it out. Retreating, on the other hand, is to move away from a difficult or challenging situation, while taking stab is to face it head-on. And finally, to withdraw is to give up or abandon something, while taking a stab is to keep trying without giving up. These antonyms highlight the different attitudes towards risk-taking and perseverance.