TAKES UP Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

takes up

verb

Definition of takes up next

present tense third-person singular of take up

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

as in drinks

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

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

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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for takes up

Verb

The cushion lifts to reveal a space large enough to hold board games or an extra blanket.

— Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026
The conflict in the Middle East could also push food prices higher in the coming months as a spike in diesel prices lifts transportation costs.

— Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026