TAKE HOLD Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

take hold

phrase

Definition of take hold

as in work

to produce a desired effect It was clear in the students' essays that her lessons had taken hold.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 hold Work in small sections using firm pressure, paying extra attention to cracks, joints, and textured surfaces where moss tends to take hold. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 18 July 2026 Less than a month out, things are pretty settled, and a kind of nervous anticipation has taken hold. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 16 July 2026 Second, an unpredictable variant of the Ebola virus has taken hold in Congo and Uganda. — Peter Hailey, The Conversation, 16 July 2026 And those examinations included the doctor checking for a hernia, which meant the doctor took hold of my genitals and asked me to cough. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for take hold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for take hold

take effect

Phrase

Many of his Canadian clients are working around the clock to get products shipped to the US before the levies take effect next month.

— Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
The administration timed a new set of tariffs on all of its largest trading partners to take effect at the same time the old, global tariff ended.

— Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 24 July 2026