PICKING UP Synonyms: 333 Similar and Opposite Words

picking up

verb

present participle of pick up

as in mastering

to acquire complete knowledge, understanding, or skill in he has a knack for picking up a language in a few weeks

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as in assembling

to bring together in one body or place pick up all of your things because we have to be off this beach before dark

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as in buying

to get possession of (something) by giving money in exchange for could you pick up some milk at the store?

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as in growing (in)

to gradually increase in the boat was just picking up speed when it was rammed by another boat

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as in lifting

to move from a lower to a higher place or position pick up your feet while I vacuum in front of the sofa

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as in arresting

to take or keep under one's control by authority of law police picked up the fugitive when she went out to buy food

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as in cleaning house

to make a place neat and orderly by removing extraneous stuff I thought you said you had picked up, so why are these things still lying around the rec room?

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as in resuming

to begin again or return to after an interruption after the protestors were removed from the auditorium, the speaker picked up his lecture right where he had left off

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as in trimming

to make neat the boy's bedroom looked like it hadn't been picked up in quite a while

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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 picking up Byfield beat goalie Samuel Ersson with a snap shot from the high slot, with Drew Doughty picking up his third assist of the night on the play. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 But the tireless churn of his storytelling, picking up and depositing little clues of what came before, is the mark of an auteur who has barely scratched the surface of his prowess. — Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026 Most of the wild weather starts tonight, with wind speeds picking up and temperatures ticking up during the overnight hours behind a warm front and warm air advection. — Ron Smiley, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 Its relatively basic grippers and limited lifting capacity are enough for tasks such as picking up shoes, clothes, and toys, wiping tables, fetching objects, and watering plants. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026 The Yankees may be down a few sluggers entering the postseason, however, they certainly are equipped with a player capable of picking up some of the slack. — James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026 The final 100 pages are a thrilling, heart-stopping adventure in the New Mexico desert, picking up the pace with unexpected urgency and narrative anxiety. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026 Lee fills his glass from a second bottle, bantering away with his lifelong pal before picking up a third. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026 Four Twins relievers allowed two hits over four scoreless innings, with Yoendrys Gomez picking up his 21st save. — Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for picking up

Verb

Making a cup of coffee can be as simple as popping a pod into a machine or as complex as mastering a high-tech espresso machine.

— Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 21 Oct. 2026
Ward went on to join Ohio’s BalletMet and North Carolina Dance Theatre, mastering classical and neoclassical styles until his heart demanded a move beyond those orthodoxies.

— Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of mastering

Verb

The two looks also mark a departure from the vintage-heavy wardrobe Roach has been assembling for Kardashian, which has included some archival pulls from Saint Laurent and Elizabeth Taylor-channelling Balenciaga.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026
Because freedom of navigation was viewed as a fundamental principle of the global order, assembling large groups committed to upholding this pillar was intended to demonstrate international resolve and isolate the bad actor.

— Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of assembling

Verb

Falcons sticking to Robinson on first down Thus far, the Falcons have had three first-down plays and have run running back Bijan Robinson on each, gaining a total of 22 yards.

— AJC.com, AJC.com, 25 Oct. 2026
The Panthers wound up out gaining Argyle 552 to 480 in total yards with running back Gabriel Bess picking up 160 yards on 19 carries.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of gaining

Verb

Throw on a pair of protective gloves before attempting any tasks that are hard on the nails or hands — whether that’s gardening or cleaning the house or lifting rough objects.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2026
The deal would begin with Gulf countries providing economic relief to Iran in exchange for Iran lifting its restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz.

— ALLISON MINOR, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of lifting

Verb

Spotting symptoms early is a key factor in treating victims and in arresting the spread of this extremely contagious disease, according to health experts.

— Michelle A. Williams, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
Sacramento police have also received criticism for arresting protesters in recent months, including the detainment two protesters in September that was recorded on video.

— Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of arresting

Verb

The Legislature has been trimming home building regulations and should continue.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
During the winter holidays, millions of people are traveling, many of whom are expected at the Thanksgiving table or tree-trimming party.

— Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026