TAKING UP Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

taking up

verb

Definition of taking up next

present participle of take up

as in lifting

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 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

as in borrowing

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 taking up As mentioned, lounges are often overcrowded, and taking up more than your fair share of space can frustrate fellow travelers. —

Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026 The space will occupy 20,879 square feet, taking up a large amount of existing vacant space in the center, according to the Sacramento Business Journal. —

Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026 In a mostly party-line April 28 vote, 50 Republicans and one Democrat blocked the Senate from taking up the measure. —

Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026 Bishop famously pivoted from studying physics at the University of Chicago on a scholarship to taking up the blues and joining the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. —

Adam Harrington, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026 Other examples can be seen in the deliberate way Flick sprung to Raphinha’s defence back in December, taking up the topic of the Brazilian’s lack of individual recognition despite not having been asked about it. —

Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026 If trends persist, a third and fourth quarterback will be added to the room for training camp, and then only two will be on the active 53-man roster, with another taking up a practice squad roster spot. —

Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2026 Because of inflation and changing consumer habits, many big name retailers have been forced to reduce their store footprints, with e-commerce taking up a higher bulk of sales. —

Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026 Trading pencil skirts for scrubs and pilot uniforms, many women are making waves by taking up space in high-paying industries. —

Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for taking up

Verb

Tasks that must be completed quickly and require complex dexterity will be better suited to humans, whereas repetitive actions that include, for example, lifting heavy objects and low safety environments will be best for robots.

— Dr. Jonathan Reichental, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Only two years ago, Madrid were lifting their record-extending 15th Champions League title at Wembley while some voices around the squad were telling The Athletic the dressing room was one of the most united in years.

— Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 10 May 2026