TAKE UP Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

take up

verb

Definition of take up

as in to lift

to move from a lower to a higher place or position please take up the blanket so I can look underneath it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to drink

to take in (something liquid) through small openings the soil was so dry that the plant seemed to take up the much-needed water instantly

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to borrow

to take for one's own use (something originated by another) one cluster of fans started chanting the team name of the champions, and the crowd quickly took up the cry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 take up This week, the club announced the arrival of German fitness coach Benjamin Kugel, who will take up a role with the first team. — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 10 July 2026 LaVine said he’s been healthy since the offseason began and took up golf the last few weeks to prepare for this week’s tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026 Lizzie is a multisport athlete, having taken up bocce ball several years ago and competing at the state level last year. — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 With YouTube taking up a large portion of viewers’ time in front of the TV, Disney Plus, Netflix, HBO Max, and other streamers are looking for other ways to capture their attention. — Emma Roth, The Verge, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for take up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for take up

Verb

Messi and Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy, the first in Messi’s storied career, but the Frenchman went home with the Golden Boot.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
The elevator has to be repaired and reinspected in order for the cease-use order to be lifted.

— Alice Gainer, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Definition of lift

Verb

Others borrow from aviation, where leasing is common, so satellite leasing now lets operators rent a spacecraft instead of owning one, freeing capital for newer entrants.

— Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
This would have voters authorize Miami-Dade to sell bonds, the investment vehicle that allows local governments to borrow money at a lower rate than private banks would offer.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

Definition of borrow

Verb

Having one copy of the APOE4 variant may double or triple the chance of developing Alzheimer’s, while having two copies may raise risk by tenfold or more.

— Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
The Digital Realty proposal is the first project vying to get an exemption from Atlanta’s ban, raising questions about balancing urban land use and digital infrastructure.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of raise

Verb

The Cohesion 18 sneakers are outfitted with a thick, supportive sole that absorbs impact and offers stability, a rubber outsole for traction, and a sockliner to prevent friction burn and blisters.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
Creators now hold more leverage — often keeping ownership and creative control — a shift from the old model of studios simply absorbing influencers into existing productions.

— Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of absorb

Verb

Morocco are already Africa’s history makers, but one more win would elevate them beyond the continental lens they’ve been viewed through up until now.

— Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
Here, two interior design experts share their go-to tricks for elevating your bathroom without overspending.

— Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026

Definition of elevate

Verb

In a flashback to the previous day, Lucky embraces her husband, Cary (Drew Starkey), on the balcony of their massive hotel suite in Las Vegas.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 July 2026
Despite ending his White House bid, DeSantis remains one of the Republican Party’s most recognizable governors and continues to campaign for GOP candidates who have embraced his governing style and agenda.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2026