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 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 Most of the home is arranged on one floor and a good chunk of the available floorspace is taken up by an open living/dining area. Adam Williams march 22, New Atlas, 22 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 Since the 2022 Games in Beijing, the Chinese government announced that around 313 million people had taken up ice and snow sports, or related leisure activities. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026 The former prince spirited off from the Royal Lodge in the middle of the night and has reportedly taken up residence in a cottage in Sandringham. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 7 Feb. 2026 So my attention was taken up with wiping off the counter and the tiles, and remaking the coffee. Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025 His wife, Erika Kirk, has since taken up the mantel of spearheading his organization, Turning Point USA, and has committed to keeping his legacy alive. Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025 This simple idea, of searching for an answer, can be taken up a level — to much, much bigger maps, and to much harder problems than navigation, such as solving a complex puzzle or proving difficult mathematical theorems. Big Think, 4 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taken up
Verb
  • Laying on his side in the crease, the goalie lifted his left pad to stop Dahlin's shot from the slot.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Tatum played the entire fourth quarter for the second straight game, his minutes limit seemingly lifted.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Maintenance crews carve up the streets while pedestrians squeeze by, each person absorbed in their own agendas.
    Françoise Mouly, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Add American cheese, remaining 1 cup cheddar, and reserved soaking water; stir vigorously until most of the cheese is melted (some small lumps of cheese will remain and that is OK) and water is absorbed.
    Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The amount borrowed could be adjusted to coordinate with other proposals to help address the solvency gap, Kaine said.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
  • According to the study, 40% of medical students borrowed more than $50,000 in a single year, while 14% had lifetime federal debt of more than $200,000.
    Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The trip raised hopes among some members on the WhatsApp chain that expressions of empathy toward Palestinians will become more common at Beth El, both from the bimah and in synagogue-wide communications.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Together, the reports signal a possible escalation in the Iran -war — the fallout of which has already rattled markets and raised fears of broader supply chain disruptions and higher global prices.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • James Robert Conroy of New Britain adopted the dog and named it Stubby for his short tail.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2026
  • FiberColors builds on the success of Archroma’s EarthColors platform, which has now been adopted by more than 50 global brands resulting over 60 tons of plant residue from the herbal and pharmaceutical industries being recycled.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But Stavros believes ownership could spread to multiples of that number if America once again embraced an instrument called the ESOP, for Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Vogue’s Favorite Wedge Mules Street style has already embraced the shoe, where fashion insiders in Paris and Milan paired both classic black leather options and pop of red styles with skirts and mini dresses for subtle lift.
    María Munsuri, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • One person was seen being taken on a stretcher out of the second house, to which the fire spread.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Her husband has taken on a second job and is now working seven days a week to help the family make ends meet.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Taken up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taken%20up. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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