take 1 of 2

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as in to accommodate
to make or have room for I think we can take two more in this elevator

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as in to work
to produce a desired effect it will be a few hours before this medication takes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to receive
to offer entrance (as to a place, school, or privilege) to the school takes only a small percentage of the thousands of applicants

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take

2 of 2

noun

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as in reaction
action or behavior that is done in return to other action or behavior what's your take on the announcement that the senior vice president is taking an early retirement?

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as in yield
the total amount collected or obtained especially at one time who will win the poker tournament and collect the whole take?

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as in share
something belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual member of a group because there were so many winners of the jackpot, each person's take will be smaller than expected

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as in interpretation
a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play) despite its contemporary setting, this take on King Lear isn't particularly novel or insightful

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word take different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of take are clutch, grab, grasp, seize, and snatch. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.

take some salad from the bowl

In what contexts can clutch take the place of take?

In some situations, the words clutch and take are roughly equivalent. However, clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How are the words grab and snatch related as synonyms of take?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

Where would grasp be a reasonable alternative to take?

While the synonyms grasp and take are close in meaning, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

When is seize a more appropriate choice than take?

While in some cases nearly identical to take, seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

seized the suspect

How do snatch and seize relate to one another, in the sense of take?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

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
Verb
Take a hike or head out on skis with an experienced guide on a route tailored to your level, savor the nightly seven-course tasting menu, enjoy complimentary stretching or meditation sessions, or just relax in a cozy spa nook before taking a dip in the indoor and outdoor heated pools. Hannah Freedman, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025 In the year since the Dallas ownership group took possession in July 2024, CityProtect, an online blotter system used by the Kansas City Police Department, shows 30 crimes reported on the Plaza. Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025
Noun
The left and right extensions of the platforms each had a series of circular tubes, which didn’t add up to much with the naked eye, but looked great on the big screen when the Weeknd would be caught by the big screen in an extended take, standing in the middle of them and facing a static camera. Chris Willman, Variety, 27 June 2025 Valerie Cherish will be given another take as HBO is bringing back The Comeback for a third and final season. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for take
Recent Examples of Synonyms for take
Verb
  • The Mariners hold a 5 1/2-game game over the Royals in the AL Wild Card standings.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
  • Republicans, who hold a 53-47 majority, face united Democratic opposition − and the defection of at least two of their own members.
    Olivia Munson, USA Today, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Vientos was in the lineup Friday hitting fifth against right-hander Michael Wacha, who has neutral splits against righties and lefties.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025
  • Before the death at the house, Snow Angels had nearly no citations or issues with the state Department of Social Services, according to the business’ licensing file reviewed by the Union-Tribune.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • So much for my hope that Jess would get a promotion!
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 8 July 2025
  • Maybe there's a path for Turner to get there eventually.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Again, open the camera screen in the app and choose to scan a negative.
    Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2025
  • Hilton and Rothschild chose to tie the knot at Kensington Palace, where Kate Middleton and Prince William reside.
    Sarah Title, People.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • The agency alleged that Kubler used investor money to make Ponzi-like payments to earlier investors and also used that money for personal use, including payments to a winery, buying antiques and paying for online dating services.
    Sydney Sasser, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • When the officers did not buy his story, Brown then claimed the home belonged to his grandparents, police said.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • By July, a garden in full bloom may need some encouragement to keep its beautiful flowers in supply.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
  • Missouri is one of the 29 states that requires vehicles to use front and back license plates, while Kansas vehicles only need the rear one, according to an article on Insurance.com.
    Eleanor Nash July 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • There is no requirement under HB 46, or any prior Texas law, for employers to accommodate the use of medical marijuana.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Guests with food allergies or dietary concerns are accommodated, too.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Why not bring that fresh-start-to-the-day feeling to work by spritzing on the eau de parfum before reporting to duty?
    Jenny Berg, Allure, 6 July 2025
  • The faculty is brimming with principal players from leading orchestras from across the U.S. Yoyo and Jun have been looking forward to working with all the teachers, especially the experts on their instruments.
    Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Take.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/take. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.

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