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

Relevance

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 What followed when Flaco, who had lived his entire life in captivity, took up residence on New York City rooftops and trees is a surprising story revealing the delight, concern, and fascination of millions in the city and beyond. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 31 July 2026 The next three spots were taken up by Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO at $45 million, Ashley Flowers’ Crime Junkie at $42 million and SmartLess at $37 million. — Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 Though when Pierce Brosnan took up the role in the 1999 remake, Crown steals Monet’s San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk (1908–12) from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, though that painting actually belongs to the National Museum Cardiff in Wales. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 31 July 2026 Several of its recommendations were later taken up by President Jimmy Carter, who was elected to the White House months after the report’s release. — Matt Brown, Fortune, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for take up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for take up

Verb

If fiscal spending lifts growth and productivity, markets will be more forgiving.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Speaking from their home in Birmingham, Alabama, over video, Nan Skier lifted her hand to show the very first piece from their collection, which fits comfortably on her index finger.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of lift

Verb

This incident, which occurred after he was allegedly seen drinking at bars, solidifies a pattern of injury and questionable decision-making for the player.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Neither the Pawn Chess Club founders nor Bannon see this as separate from how young people are drinking.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of drink

Verb

My favorite way to spend an afternoon, though, was borrowing one of the hotel's bicycles and pedaling around South of Fifth, where quiet residential streets quickly give way to cafés, the marina, and the fun buzz of Ocean Drive.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
Library rules in the 1870s stated that a book had to be returned and an overdue debt paid before another book could be borrowed.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026

Definition of borrow

Verb

Often the team doing the steady, protective work behind the scenes is the one absorbing the blame while another team gets the credit.

— ByRene Madden, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
In this method, physicists don’t try to predict how often muons will emit and absorb groups of quarks.

— Matt von Hippel, Quanta Magazine, 29 July 2026

Definition of absorb

Verb

European consumers have lagged behind the rest of the world in adopting AC, due to high energy costs, expensive installation fees and restrictions on retrofitting the continent’s older buildings.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
The traffic restrictions added to a series of safety measures adopted in Old Sacramento after years of concerns about violence, large crowds and late-night activity in the historic district.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of adopt

Verb

Your sleeping position is also important; for example, for those who can manage it, sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated is a excellent for your skin, and helps prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes.

— Laura Sandroni, Vogue, 29 July 2026
This luggage customization kit includes two comfort handle grips, six zipper pullers, a carry pouch, and an ID tag, all designed to elevate your current suitcase.

— Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026