take 1 of 2

Definition of takenext
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as in to accommodate
to make or have room for I think we can take two more in this elevator

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to work
to produce a desired effect it will be a few hours before this medication takes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to receive
to offer entrance (as to a place, school, or privilege) to the school takes only a small percentage of the thousands of applicants

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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take

2 of 2

noun

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as in reaction
action or behavior that is done in return to other action or behavior what's your take on the announcement that the senior vice president is taking an early retirement?

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in yield
the total amount collected or obtained especially at one time who will win the poker tournament and collect the whole take?

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in share
something belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual member of a group because there were so many winners of the jackpot, each person's take will be smaller than expected

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in interpretation
a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play) despite its contemporary setting, this take on King Lear isn't particularly novel or insightful

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word take different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of take are clutch, grab, grasp, seize, and snatch. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.

take some salad from the bowl

In what contexts can clutch take the place of take?

In some situations, the words clutch and take are roughly equivalent. However, clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How are the words grab and snatch related as synonyms of take?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

Where would grasp be a reasonable alternative to take?

While the synonyms grasp and take are close in meaning, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

When is seize a more appropriate choice than take?

While in some cases nearly identical to take, seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

seized the suspect

How do snatch and seize relate to one another, in the sense of take?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

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
Verb
Time to get out of the car and take a mind-clearing walk. Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2026 More than that, that portion of their home was once the home of Joseph Bartlett, who is believed to have allowed numerous freedom seekers to take refuge there during the time of the Underground Railroad. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
The local take At RestFuel in Buckhead, owner Shay Richardson has built an entire recovery system around that concept. Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 20 Feb. 2026 No writer is attached to the project although Sony’s animation arm, Sony Pictures Animation, is opening up a writers room to develop the a script or takes. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for take
Recent Examples of Synonyms for take
Verb
  • The Gophers and Ducks were both ice cold in the first half, with the U holding an unsightly 22-13 lead.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 18 Feb. 2026
  • This brought Falmouth’s deficit to as low as four points, and Hanover held a narrow 43-37 the end of the quarter.
    Zach McMahon, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Freese had eight clean sheets in 31 starts last season on his way to the award.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Crew chief Bill Miller had an earpiece and was in communication with stadium operations, who informed him that there was no danger.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Officials are also trying to make sure that the electronic logging devices drivers use are accurate, and that states are following all the regulations to ensure drivers are qualified to get commercial licenses.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Book recalls Epstein's threat to harm her brother At 16, Roberts Giuffre got a job as a locker room attendant at a nearby resort, Mar-a-Lago, where her father was a maintenance man.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In a city where skyscrapers reach for the clouds and streets hum with the rhythm of daily life, Hong Kong's open-air adventures offer a refreshing counterpoint, proving there's no need to choose between urban energy and natural tranquility.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • While conditions remain dangerous, experts advise reading the avalanche forecast, skiing with local expert guides and choosing shallower slopes to ski off-piste.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Of the 63% of international fans who attended the Games, the United States, at 14%, bought the second-most tickets.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • That message has pleased some on the right, who have praised Paramount over its decision to buy The Free Press, cut ties with Stephen Colbert, and bring back one of the president’s favorite film franchises.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Newcomer João Klauss needed 90 seconds to win the hearts of Galaxy fans, scoring with assists from Marco Reus and Joseph Paintsil for a 1-0 lead.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Then came an almighty, barely believable surge spearheaded by Ngumoha, and if the VAR intervention was the slice of good fortune Forest needed, what happened next summed up everything about the power of those towards the top.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The ongoing cost of TK is about $3 billion a year; the state has also put $1 billion toward implementing the new program, including building improvements to accommodate younger kids.
    CalMatters, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026
  • This was partly out of deference to a president who thinks not of enemies but only of potential counterparties to be bargained with, bullied, swindled, or accommodated.
    Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Poland is already working with Ukraine on drone technology in joint military training programs and manufacturing projects.
    SAM McNEIL, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
  • This partnership, which spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner, works well on a few levels.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Take.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/take. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

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