taking up

present participle of take up
1
2
as in drinking
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 taking up Those with routines to follow will want to check out the slim, weekly pill organizer from Vaydeer, and the Fyy Daily Pill Organizer is also great for organizing multiple medicine shapes, sizes, and quantities without taking up too much space. Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025 However, the mother of four — who shares daughters Luna and Esti and sons Miles and Wren with Legend — also told PEOPLE last year that her husband had been taking up more of the cooking load in their house. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025 His release said the state House is taking up a bill that would impose tougher penalties on those who refuse to stop for police. Christina Hall, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025 Councilor Michael-Paul Hart, a Republican who represents the far southeast corner of the county, has opposed the project, arguing Google will create too few jobs and pay too little in taxes to justify taking up nearly 470 acres of land. Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 30 Aug. 2025 Thanks for taking up this topic. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025 During its early sale, the brand is taking up to 20% off mattresses like their classic Green mattress, Luxury Organic mattress, Vegan mattress, and Latex mattress. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 15 Aug. 2025 In this way, cybersecurity is becoming a task of general economic protection—a trend that characterizes the EU and that more countries worldwide are taking up. Dennis-Kenji Kipker, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 On Tuesday, actress Jenna Dewan presided over the episode with Consuelos, with a roster of fill-in hosts taking up the reins in Ripa's absence throughout the remainder of the week. EW.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taking up
Verb
  • We are truly blessed to be surrounded by such a beautiful community lifting us in love and commitment.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Save for slightly fleshing out some of these roles, Ozon’s script is loyal to the point of lifting most lines of dialogue verbatim.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Some people find that drinking it on an empty stomach, such as before breakfast, can also lead to digestive upset or acid reflux.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025
  • They're instructed to wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other oral medicines.
    Annika Kim Constantino,Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Reeves has repeatedly dismissed the possibility of bending her own fiscal rules on borrowing.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The Federal Reserve manages interest rates for borrowing money in America.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Since 1995, when Trevor’s twins Joshua and Samuel died in England, the Marlborough father has dedicated his life to raising funds to donate to special care baby units throughout the country.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
  • This enclosed back segment of the property could work for raising chickens and other small farm animals —away from the main house.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • By adopting the soaring strategies of birds, these aircraft could reduce onboard energy use and fly longer distances.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Taking note of these markers can help women make lifestyle adjustments, such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, increasing physical activity, or reducing alcohol consumption.
    Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That said, a group within them is elevating the entrepreneurship landscape.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Perhaps most encouraging is how market pressure appears to be elevating quality.
    Alison Griffin, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Mechanical engineers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have developed a new framework that speeds up the design of shock-absorbing foam materials, used in everything from sports and military helmets to spacecraft landing struts.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Treasury markets, already under strain from persistent deficits and weak auction demand, now face prospect of absorbing the largest unplanned government financing operation in modern history.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Now, Julie is opening up about embracing her natural brunette hair in prison and her post-release shift back to blonde.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • This mindset encompasses perseverance, loyalty, embracing differences, displaying an openness to personal growth and strong conflict-resolution skills, including the willingness to seek help when necessary.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Taking up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taking%20up. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!