as in devoted
to keep or intend for a special purpose
unfortunately, when he was in college, weekends were largely given up to binge drinking
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for given up (to)
Verb
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It’s been very sobering for people who’ve devoted their lives to these issues to suddenly see this withdrawal of global support.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026 -
In a 25-page memorandum explaining his decision, Reilly said Judge Daniel Klau only devoted a single paragraph to a claim of ordinary negligence.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Though the awards, which are valued at about $8,000 per student, were initially reserved for low-income students and those with disabilities, the program is now open to all.—
Annie Martin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
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The sky outside the classroom in the prison wing, considered an honors dorm of sorts by prison officials because it’s reserved for inmates in the PLUS program, is cloudy on this January morning.—
Amy Lavalley,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Not even scientists who have dedicated their life to studying chemistry can totally pin down its essence.—
Olga Khazan,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
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The federal government, the spokesperson said, has dedicated no funding for the forest service to clean them up.—
Rachel Becker,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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When Codi receives an invitation to test the simulator’s latest build, the message turns out to be a trap set by Pinkolaf, a vengeful AI creature born inside DinoGames that has learned to manipulate real-world electronics.—
Emiliano De Pablos,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
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Seven states appear to have failed to reach an agreement on how to split up the water from the shrinking Colorado River ahead of the deadline set by federal officials.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Given up (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/given%20up%20%28to%29. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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