take 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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
Thune says that the outcome is out of his control, and that the most Senate Republicans can do is force Democrats to take politically difficult votes. David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026 Iza took videos and photographs of his business rival’s arrest, authorities said. City News Service, Daily News, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
Zendaya's take, paired with that of her stylist Law Roach's vision, ensured the outfit was kept classic by pairing it with her longtime go-to shoe, the So Kate pumps from Christian Louboutin. Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026 Just like in the 1987 edition, the fresh take is set at the fictional HBCU Hillman College. Jack Dunn, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for take
Recent Examples of Synonyms for take
Verb
  • The funeral prayer for the 41-year-old Afghan father of six who died Saturday in ICE custody was held Tuesday while more questions arise about why he was picked up and what caused his death less than a day later.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Mar. 2026
  • This year, The Roots Picnic will be held at Belmont Plateau— a change from last year's venue that faced significant issues with long entry lines and rainy conditions.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Some runways really have that brain chemistry-altering power, and the spectacle that Marc Jacobs created for the Louis Vuitton fall 2012 show is one such example.
    Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
  • According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the 41-year-old had a criminal history and his temporary legal status had expired.
    Marissa Armas, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Appealing to both foodies and nature buffs, the Food Trails have become a popular way to explore the Burren and take in its ancient topography, while also getting a taste of the people, brands, and flavors that are driving today’s Ireland.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Been Gawk then walked three consecutive Dominican batters — Perdomo, Tatis and Ketel Marte — with two outs, the final two of which came with the bases loaded to force in runs, before Dane Dunning ended the frame by getting Soto to line out to right field.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Luis Marín de San Martín, a Spanish member of Pope Leo XIV's religious order and an undersecretary in the Vatican's synod office, was chosen to run the Vatican's charity office, replacing Polish Cardinal Konrad Krajewski.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Then came Japan’s biggest push, which came to fruition, ironically, because Venezuela chose not to pitch to Ohtani.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • According to the article, larger trucking companies tend to hedge their fuel costs by locking in rates, because if the fuel is already bought, higher market prices don't play such a big role in operations.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
  • As the publication struggles to keep up with the evolving media landscape, the pair has to convince fellow former assistant Emily, now head of a luxury brand, to buy advertising that could save Runway.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Arkansas students don't need right-wing extremism taught in their classrooms.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Unlike text or images used to train traditional artificial intelligence models, the data needed for humanoid robots cannot be sourced online; it must be generated through direct interaction with the machines.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Extra beds are complimentary in rooms and suites that can accommodate them.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026
  • According to the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, the city’s bridges open about 40 times per year from April to November to accommodate tall ships trying to get to/from Lake Michigan.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Phillips is recovering from Tommy John surgery, while Graterol is working his way back from right shoulder surgery.
    Jack Vita, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The scientists used the hydrogel to build a working sensor that detects a compound known as sakacin P in milk.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Take.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/take. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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