1
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
2
3
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
In other words, Morgan Stanley isn't the only Wall Street firm taking up its numbers.
—
Paulina Likos, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
The project is expected to take up to four years to build.
—Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Large holdings can take up considerable space and be difficult to transport.
—Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Costello played the pivotal role of a hippie who takes up with Jessica and her husband only to become a vampire.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for take up
Paulina Likos, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
The project is expected to take up to four years to build.
—Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Large holdings can take up considerable space and be difficult to transport.
—Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Costello played the pivotal role of a hippie who takes up with Jessica and her husband only to become a vampire.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for take up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for take up
Verb
-
The Benedictine recruit came up with nine huge saves for the shutout to lift visiting Sandburg to a 1-0 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over district rival Andrew in Tinley Park.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The productivity boom, in this reading, isn’t lifting all boats.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
There will also be a flower wall display to take your own family photos and food and drink specials at the various restaurants.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
-
What to eat, drink and do 🌮 A Derby party, Cinco de Mayo feasts and a crawfish boil headline May’s best food events.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Scientists have found a way to make a new class of gas-trapping glass easier to manufacture by borrowing a centuries-old principle from traditional glassmaking.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
4 May 2026
-
On the right, there’s an inviting seating nook and the hallway with a lending library—guests can borrow a book or leave behind one they’re finished with—that leads to the elevators.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
Member associations had appealed to soccer’s governing body to raise prize money because of cost concerns.—
Anne M. Peterson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
That duplication has raised concerns about staff consolidations and widespread newsroom layoffs.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Carbon nanotubes are conductive, meaning electricity and heat can move through them, and both types of nanotubes absorb and reflect electromagnetic waves.—
Chelsea Gohd,
Space.com,
1 May 2026
-
The floor absorbs sound, and the only light shone from a hole at the top of the tent.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
In the broad picture, district budgets throughout the state are likely to be a little larger, level or somewhat smaller — and schools could yet receive a big boost by the time the state’s budget is adopted in June.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
There’s a reason Pete Carroll adopted that strategy up in Seattle with the Seahawks.—
Tracy Kimball,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Carly elevates the aesthetic activities of suburban women everywhere to the status of—what, exactly?—
Olivia Kan-Sperling,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
-
If denim isn’t your thing, a wide-leg stretchy trouser instantly elevates any outfit while still feeling easy.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
So the big production rewrite was embracing Australia, not as some post-apocalyptic Mad Max hellscape, but Australia for Australia.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The most recent photographs, which were taken in March, showed Vrabel and Russini holding hands and embracing.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Take up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/take%20up. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
