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 House Republicans have spent recent months pressuring the Senate to take up the SAVE America Act, as some House members have gone as far as to call out Thune on social media. — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 24 July 2026 Countless stories of Zeke’s kindness, bravery and commitment to a life of servitude took up the nearly eight-hour hearing. — Miami Herald, 24 July 2026 The measure urges the Police Commission, which is responsible for LAPD policy changes, to take up the issue this year. — Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 Parsons used acrylic, a relatively new, quick-drying medium that few artists of her generation had yet taken up. — John Yau, ARTnews.com, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for take up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for take up

Verb

Zidane will be counted on to lift the organization’s spirits after the national team, which was widely regarded as one of the favorites to win the title in North America, was bounced from the tournament by eventual winner Spain in the semifinals.

— Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Investors noticed, sending the stock up around 7% and lifting other quantum companies like IonQ and Rigetti along with it.

— John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Definition of lift

Verb

But more typical are quality-of-life complaints from riders who report people drinking or getting high at stations or discarding bags of fast food debris on platforms.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026
The weather service said people should take precautions, like drinking plenty of water and wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026

Definition of drink

Verb

Berman also pressed his advantage as a first mover, borrowing capital from large financial firms that wanted to get into the market.

— Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026
And shorting — borrowing a stock to sell it high in the hopes of repurchasing it at a cheaper price later and pocketing the proceeds — is having a bit of a renaissance.

— Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 23 July 2026

Definition of borrow

Verb

Armies may seize and defend territory, absorb enormous casualties, and sustain combat for years without producing a durable political settlement.

— David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
For watering, fill the central cup formed by the plant’s leaves with fresh water, as the plant absorbs moisture through its foliage.

— Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026

Definition of absorb

Verb

The summer of soccer continues — that is the tagline Wrexham are adopting for a tour to build on the men’s World Cup, as well as the club’s strong North American links.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 24 July 2026
If everything passes muster, the city hopes to adopt the new guidelines in December.

— Mark Dee July 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2026