taken up

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
  • However, the most stringent sanctions on Damascus remain and cannot be fully lifted without congressional approval.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Trump lifted al-Sharaa's terrorist designation last week and has called for Congress to lift all sanctions on Syria, though some Republicans oppose a blanket repeal without safeguards.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
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
  • Namely, going after the drug traffickers themselves by raiding Mexican cartel trap houses and robbing their mules, using equipment borrowed from their parents including night-vision goggles and beanbag shotguns.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The average new-car customer borrowed $42,647 in the third quarter, at an annual interest rate of 7%, for an average monthly payment of $754.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • While much emphasis has been placed on how important the trades are for the work force, adult education programs faced a federal funding freeze, albeit briefly, this summer that raised concerns about the future of vocational schools.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Citymeals on Wheels welcomes all to Power Lunch because every single dollar raised will provide meals and connections for our older neighbors.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Arlene adopted Aileen in 1991 Arlene and her husband, Robert, adopted Aileen in 1991, after she was arrested and incarcerated.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
  • It was officially adopted with a two-thirds vote requirement in 1917.
    George Petras, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
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 18 Nov. 2025.

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