1
as in lifts
to move from a lower to a higher place or position
please take up the blanket so I can look underneath it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in borrows
to take for one's own use (something originated by another)
one cluster of fans started chanting the team name of the champions, and the crowd quickly took up the cry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of takes up
Football takes up so much of your time and energy.
—
Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
This lack of versatility can also make outfits feel less intentional, especially when you’re forced to throw on a bulky cardigan that takes up unnecessary suitcase space.
—Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026
Given how much time and energy the budget takes up, expect little else to happen in the Senate this week.
—The Denver Post, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2026
The hotel takes up about half the building (the non-Whitehall-facing component comprises lavish private residences and restaurants).
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
One employee wore a company shirt for Global Warehouse Solutions, a third-party logistics provider (3PL) that takes up a majority of the warehouse.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2026
Each of these uses competes for limited space, and the space each one takes up leaves less for the others.
—Michael Pollack, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
This leads to an important point that takes up an entire econ class session to explain.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
The very first tickets to sell out were those in the GA section right in front of the stage, which takes up a relatively small part of the overall floor.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026
Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
This lack of versatility can also make outfits feel less intentional, especially when you’re forced to throw on a bulky cardigan that takes up unnecessary suitcase space.
—Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026
Given how much time and energy the budget takes up, expect little else to happen in the Senate this week.
—The Denver Post, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2026
The hotel takes up about half the building (the non-Whitehall-facing component comprises lavish private residences and restaurants).
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
One employee wore a company shirt for Global Warehouse Solutions, a third-party logistics provider (3PL) that takes up a majority of the warehouse.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2026
Each of these uses competes for limited space, and the space each one takes up leaves less for the others.
—Michael Pollack, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
This leads to an important point that takes up an entire econ class session to explain.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
The very first tickets to sell out were those in the GA section right in front of the stage, which takes up a relatively small part of the overall floor.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for takes up
Verb
-
The machinery lifts heavy pieces of concrete and rebar.—
Anas Baba,
NPR,
6 May 2026
-
The decision lifts Louisiana’s need to have two majority-Black districts.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Researchers have linked microplastics in tea bags, coffee pods, tap water and heated plastic containers to billions of particles entering food and drinks people consume daily.—
Ryan Brennan
May 11,
Miami Herald,
11 May 2026
-
How will drinks work without the self-service soda machines?—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
The humanoid display also borrows durability and efficiency features from the company’s automotive OLED technology.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
-
What the Forward Edge Means The phrase borrows from military doctrine, where the forward edge marks the line where engagement is most intense.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
School districts could then decide on their own whether to offer teachers raises and, if so, how big the pay hikes should be.—
Steven Walker,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
-
These moves—when combined with other capital raises involving additional share issuances—have impacted the company’s stock price.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
This kernel of truth may account for why the prosopopoeia of the wine mom absorbs so much misogynist loathing from all over the political map.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
-
Some experts say the conflict is putting additional pressure on Ecuadorian public spending, which absorbs part of the cost of gasoline.—
Anabella González,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
You were nominated for lots of awards for playing Queenie, the woman who adopts Brad Pitt’s character, including Best Supporting Actress at the 2009 Oscars.—
Zak Cheney-Rice,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
-
If just one state adopts it, Moore said, it would be tested in court.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Being forced to parent his child sours Danny’s attitude during the outing to the amusement park, while Nia embraces the rare child-free moment.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
-
McKenna embraces every inch of Piggy’s awkwardness, every desperate plea for acceptance and friendship, without polish or artificiality.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
In scenes where Yura remembers her childhood and its connection to the beast, the animation takes on a gauzier, more primitive style that matches the film’s more cosmic, oceanic themes.—
Beatrice Loayza,
Variety,
1 May 2026
-
Indulge in signature relaxation treatments at the spa and discover elevated takes on classic Southern dishes at Trade Root, the on-site restaurant.—
Ellie Nan Storck,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Takes up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/takes%20up. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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