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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8
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

1
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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
More: Dismantling agencies and firing workers: How Trump is redefining relations with Congress and courts Frustrated with unfavorable court decisions, the administration has taken an increasingly hostile stance to the federal bench. Zac Anderson, USA Today, 26 May 2025 As a major recipient of Pentagon contracts, Musk took a special interest in defending the nomination of Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host, as Secretary of Defense. Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Noun
James had the most infectious joy and positivity every take. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025 Their take from the president’s recent crypto ventures is difficult to pin down, but also potentially the largest profit center. Kyle Khan-Mullins, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for take
Recent Examples of Synonyms for take
Verb
  • Manufacturing has been on the decline in the United States, with only 8% of American workers holding jobs in that sector as of earlier this year compared to roughly 26% in 1970, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, And a lot has changed since 1970.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
  • Kelly holds a political science degree from Wichita State University.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • However, my hand has real diamond support, with even the club jack potentially pulling its weight, and my spades are poor.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
  • Billy has had an illustrious career over the years.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Left-hander Pierce Coppola got the start and, after a dominant return against Alabama to the tune of 10 strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings, just couldn’t find the zone.
    Jackson Castellano, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2025
  • Clients would get the remains of not only their loved one, but also the remains of other bodies.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • There are two classe s to choose from every Tuesday -- 9:15-11:15 a.m. and 5:30-7:15 p.m.
    Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 24 May 2025
  • The boys chose the challenge on the track with a temperature of 140 degrees, which is above the level that can cause 2nd degree burns, CBS Austin reports.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Following their success with Wrexham AFC, Reynolds and McElhenny bought a stake in Mexico’s Club Necaxa, as Variety exclusively reported in April 2024.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 28 May 2025
  • The thinking was simple: If many more power-hungry data centers needed to be built, stocks of industrial companies that sell products used within those facilities – such as Eaton and Vertiv – should be bought.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • What leaders need to know Although leaders' insistence on achieving perfection may be well-intentioned, the challenge lies in conveying their high standards in a constructive, yet possibly compassionate, manner.
    Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Few people realise that the $640 million in negotiable bearer bonds Hans so desperately wanted was needed to fund his vinyl addiction.
    Chris Haslam, Wired News, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Each block is meant to accommodate a building with ground-floor storefronts topped by either residential units or office space and each with its own parking structure.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
  • Bleacher capacity will increase from 1,886 people to 2,750 to accommodate larger crowds for football games, future graduation ceremonies and band competitions.
    Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • The data doesn't lie: vaccines work, including against COVID-19.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 May 2025
  • His mother worked as a doctor in China, and juggled three jobs in the U.S. for over a decade, saving up enough to eventually open a medical clinic.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Take.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/take. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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