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 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 However, this time it is taken up a notch by adding egg noodles, making for a tasty and complete meal with little hands-on time. Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025 The legislation already passed the Senate in April with a 51-48 vote, but was not taken up by the House. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 29 Oct. 2025 However, those efforts petered out in 2023 and haven’t been taken up since. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2025 News round-up Frenkie de Jong has taken up a new contract at Barca, running to 2029. Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 However, the World Health Organization says the two-drug regimen can be taken up until the 12-week mark of pregnancy. Cheyenne Haslett, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taken up
Verb
  • By Saturday the ban was lifted, but several vacationers were forced into extended vacations waiting for their next trip home.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Or at least the craziest until Malinin began doing on ice back flips during the 2024-25 season after the International Skating Union, the sport’s global governing body, lifted a ban on the stunt.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Like all of Jack Daniel’s whiskey, it was filtered through charcoal before barreling, part of the Lincoln County process, but only through three feet instead of the usual 10 feet according to Fletcher (there’s less corn in the mashbill, and therefore less oil to be absorbed).
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Holding inventory becomes more expensive as carrying costs rise, and those costs either need to be recouped when selling to retailers or absorbed.
    Amalia Roy, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Giffords wore a recycled Vera Wang gown borrowed from a family friend, a choice that reflected her commitment to environmental sustainability.
    Ilana Frost, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Wheelchair-accessible ramps and pathways are located throughout the resort, and beach wheelchairs can be borrowed at the Coronado lifeguard station.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Republicans, who hold a super-minority in the Legislature and have long raised concerns about taxes and regulations overburdening California businesses, will likely oppose any tax bills.
    Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Funds raised during the 2025 Grammy Awards telecast, MusiCares’ Persons of the Year event and additional fundraising efforts were used to help deal with housing instability, interrupted income, physical health complications and ongoing trauma.
    David Wilson, Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Now, for about five years, she's adopted the method for herself.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Many use-of-force policies adopted by police departments endorse that principle.
    Ben Jones, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • However, baseball has now fully embraced technologies such as data analytics and AI for performance analysis.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Two readers left five-star reviews and shared their own freezer methods, so this is certainly a technique embraced by the Southern Living community.
    Brennan Long, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • In popular discourse, the word has taken on a life of its own, as an insult deployed without clear reference to any theory of psychology.
    David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025
  • He was diagnosed with a right thigh injury and will have scans taken on Saturday.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Taken up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taken%20up. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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