as in recapturing
to get again in one's possession
after some fierce fighting, government forces have retaken the capital
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Recent Examples of retaking
Some of this is inevitable — the original cadre of settlers who remember fleeing to the island with the hope of retaking the mainland has all but died off.
—
Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
But Elizabeth is one of the few actors from the first installment who won't be returning for the sixth film, also titled Scary Movie, which finds the Wayans family retaking control of the series.
—Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026
National Democratic fundraising committees haven’t seriously invested in Florida races in recent years, but Democrats have a difficult path to retaking the Senate this year that could lead to more attention on Florida.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Trump’s approval rating on immigration has slipped since retaking office as Democratic lawmakers push to restrict ICE operations and demand limits on enforcement tactics.
—Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026
Substitute Shea Lacey rattled the Burnley crossbar in the final 10 minutes, but that was as close as United came to retaking the lead.
—Chris McKenna, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
And of course, there’s Taiwan, where even a slightly softer US line would move Xi closer to retaking the island.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Nathan MacKinnon had an empty-net goal and four points, retaking the league lead from Connor McDavid with 74.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2026
The Ravens would respond with another touchdown of their own after a quick drive that ended with Jackson hitting Flowers for a 64-yard bomb, retaking the lead, 24-20.
—Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
But Elizabeth is one of the few actors from the first installment who won't be returning for the sixth film, also titled Scary Movie, which finds the Wayans family retaking control of the series.
—Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026
National Democratic fundraising committees haven’t seriously invested in Florida races in recent years, but Democrats have a difficult path to retaking the Senate this year that could lead to more attention on Florida.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Trump’s approval rating on immigration has slipped since retaking office as Democratic lawmakers push to restrict ICE operations and demand limits on enforcement tactics.
—Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026
Substitute Shea Lacey rattled the Burnley crossbar in the final 10 minutes, but that was as close as United came to retaking the lead.
—Chris McKenna, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
And of course, there’s Taiwan, where even a slightly softer US line would move Xi closer to retaking the island.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Nathan MacKinnon had an empty-net goal and four points, retaking the league lead from Connor McDavid with 74.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2026
The Ravens would respond with another touchdown of their own after a quick drive that ended with Jackson hitting Flowers for a 64-yard bomb, retaking the lead, 24-20.
—Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retaking
Verb
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Orlando has won seven in a row by relying on its newfound offensive identity from this season and by recapturing its defensive one from the past.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2026
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That includes 15 Democrats, who are leaving despite their party’s increasing odds of recapturing the House next November.—
David M. Drucker,
Twin Cities,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Following Jesus’ death on the cross – the day that Christians around the world mark as Good Friday – the text describes two men, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, retrieving his body.—
Mary Foskett,
The Conversation,
20 Mar. 2026
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CancelConfirm Share Include playlist An error occurred while retrieving sharing information.—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Sony Noise-Canceling Headphones Deal The Sony WH-CH720N is the ultimate tool for reclaiming your focus.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
12 Mar. 2026
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In his presentation, Costa made a point of reclaiming the ideals that originally motivated the project.—
Sophia La Banca,
JSTOR Daily,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retaking. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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