taken up

Definition of taken upnext
past participle of take up
1
2
as in absorbed
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

3

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 taken up Increasingly, communities have taken up arms themselves to fight back against groups like Los Ardillos. Megan Janetsky, Fortune, 10 May 2026 The idea was then taken up by other Scottish scholars, including James Frazer, whose widely read compendium The Golden Bough (1890) attempted to establish cross-cultural parallels in mythology. Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026 That bill was expected to be taken up by the House. John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026 Most of the ground floor's space is taken up by the kitchen, which occupies the center of the home. Adam Williams april 19, New Atlas, 19 Apr. 2026 With airfares and fees on the rise, consumers still can make choices that determine how much of their travel budgets will get taken up by paying to get to and from their destinations. ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026 An almost identical policy was originally taken up during a lengthy Plymouth Select Board meeting in January. Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2026 Politics consequently occupies much of the space for leftists that is usually taken up by family, religion, career and community for conservatives. Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026 History of Wimberley Established as a trading post by settlers in 1848, the area was previously home to Native Americans and later frequented by Spanish conquistadors who had taken up in nearby San Antonio. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taken up
Verb
  • Then four kills from Fuerbringer, blocks from Miles Crotty and Colby Grahm and a kill from Crotty lifted Mira Costa to a 19-10 lead.
    Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
  • The sewage would then be ground up by a pump inside the sump and lifted up 8 feet or so to dump into the elevated building drain.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • When the runners arrived, the circle absorbed them.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • At the same time, the saving-glut idea was partly absorbed into debates over secular stagnation and the long decline in real interest rates.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • London, the city New York has largely borrowed the model from, has more than 130, according to a 2025 report.
    George Gurley, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
  • The Dutchman has arguably been the best January signing since Fiorentina borrowed Mohamed Salah from Chelsea a little over a decade ago.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Any Avs postseason game refereed by Kelly Sutherland automatically starts with one eyebrow raised.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 May 2026
  • Uhrman, who raised two children while building a successful career as a media and entertainment executive, speaks from experience.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • The bald eagle has been a national emblem since Congress adopted the Great Seal in 1782, though it wasn’t designated the national bird until 2024.
    Sarah Raza, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
  • Though its origins are disputed, artists from across the world have adopted the aesthetic, offering creative takes that go from hyperrealistic to surreal to playful and bright.
    Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Software engineers have increasingly embraced the tech to help write code, with 90% of tech workers using AI in their jobs, according to a September survey from Google’s research arm.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
  • Some are backing away from exclusionary discipline like suspensions and expulsions and have embraced schoolwide approaches that reward positive behavior and provide social skills practice through games and role-playing.
    Stacker, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Taxpayers will be shelling out a big slice of their taxes to service debt taken on in the past to finance government spending in years gone by.
    Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 14 May 2026
  • The convergence has also taken on a nostalgic shape online.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026

Cite this Entry

“Taken up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taken%20up. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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