1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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Recent Examples of taking up
Since taking up farming in 2019, Clarkson has become an outspoken agriculture advocate who has railed against the government’s decision to introduce inheritance tax on farmland in November 2024.
—
ABC News, 17 June 2026
Some states are taking up the issue.
—Gretchen Morgenson, NBC news, 10 June 2026
Glasner’s two main assistant coaches, Michael Angerschmid and Ronald Brunmayr, had long since been responsible for set pieces but, earlier this year, that responsibility was shifted to Paddy McCarthy with greater success, resulting in the Irishman taking up the duties full time.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
While Elliott became the cast’s newest addition, Demi Moore was foregrounded as a major player, with her character Cami Miller taking up the mantle of MTEX CEO following her husband’s sudden death in Season 1.
—Kai Naima Williams, Variety, 27 May 2026
Its minimalist silhouette and hip-length hem pair effortlessly with shorts, skirts, or linen trousers, helping to stretch your travel wardrobe without taking up much suitcase space.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
The new Pittsburgh Public Schools board is once again taking up a controversial plan to close seven schools.
—Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 20 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
ABC News, 17 June 2026
Some states are taking up the issue.
—Gretchen Morgenson, NBC news, 10 June 2026
Glasner’s two main assistant coaches, Michael Angerschmid and Ronald Brunmayr, had long since been responsible for set pieces but, earlier this year, that responsibility was shifted to Paddy McCarthy with greater success, resulting in the Irishman taking up the duties full time.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
While Elliott became the cast’s newest addition, Demi Moore was foregrounded as a major player, with her character Cami Miller taking up the mantle of MTEX CEO following her husband’s sudden death in Season 1.
—Kai Naima Williams, Variety, 27 May 2026
Its minimalist silhouette and hip-length hem pair effortlessly with shorts, skirts, or linen trousers, helping to stretch your travel wardrobe without taking up much suitcase space.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
The new Pittsburgh Public Schools board is once again taking up a controversial plan to close seven schools.
—Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 20 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taking up
Verb
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But an array of issues ultimately lost La Roja the three points – and more worryingly, point towards some potentially bad habits that could cost this team a chance of lifting its second World Cup.—
Patrick Sung Cuadrado,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
-
After all, Spain has failed to advance beyond the round of 16 since lifting the World Cup in 2010, winning just three games during that run.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
Verb
-
There was an increase in drinking from 2021 to 2023 among San Diego Unified high school students, especially those 18 and older.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 June 2026
-
Also in Boston, Scottish World Cup supporters impressed locals after reportedly drinking several bars dry.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
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In that case, the parent may continue borrowing under the old limits for up to three school years, or until graduation, whichever comes first.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
Nvidia priced $25 billion of bonds in June, Meta and Oracle each sold about $25 billion this year, and Amazon completed a $37 billion deal, all of them borrowing to keep their cash intact.—
Dara-Abasi Ita,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
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The miscommunications have once again put the majority leader in a difficult position, raising questions about why the president seems intent on making his life more difficult.—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
-
Gordon said in kicking off his comments and raising a hand to reveal a rubber finger pad.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2026
Verb
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South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made a mistake earlier that led to Mexico's goal and 1-0 lead, but Kim just kept his team down just one goal after saving a hard shot in the 71st minute by absorbing a hard shot from Raúl Jiménez to his chest and face.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
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The specialty sneakers are designed with a shock-absorbing sole to alleviate pressure and strain on your heels and joints by minimizing the impact of your steps.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
18 June 2026
Verb
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African and Caribbean leaders are demanding financial compensation, debt cancellation and formal apologies from countries that benefited from the transatlantic slave trade after adopting a sweeping reparations plan at a conference in Ghana.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
21 June 2026
-
Underestimating Potential Cyber Threats The primary risk leaders should evaluate when adopting alternative banking platforms is fraud, particularly as AI becomes more advanced.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Meteorologists warn above-average temperatures and low humidity from the Rockies to the Pacific are elevating fire danger.—
Valerie Gonzalez,
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
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The deal marks David Yurman’s debut on Fifth Avenue, a milestone moment in elevating a brand’s image while also growing sales.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
Verb
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Well, Jalen Brunson grew up in Chicago, and New Yorkers have no trouble embracing him.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
20 June 2026
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Businesses across the city are embracing the tournament as well, vying for a piece of the roughly $17 million the city expects to haul in.—
Jack Flemming,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Taking up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taking%20up. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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