1
as in departing
to leave a place often for another
I can only stay for a few minutes, and then I'll need to take off again
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in removing
to rid oneself of (a garment)
take off your coat and stay awhile
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in subtracting
to take away (an amount or number) from a total
the store will take an additional 20% off if you bring in this coupon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in robbing
slang
to remove valuables from (a place) unlawfully
a gangbanger who decided to take off some fast-food joint
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of taking off
Alex Tafoya was a much easier interview, even taking off his Ghost Rider flaming skull headpiece to talk.
—
Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026
The fatal accident occurred on Monday when a Colombian Aerospace Force C-130 Hercules aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Puerto Leguizamo, a town in the Colombian Amazon.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
As Kasevich rolled into second base with his first double on Friday, the infielder unveiled a calm smile while taking off his batting gloves.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Later in the video, Joseph put his socks back on after taking off his shoes and socks, so an officer could check his feet.
—Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Garcia, the former Democratic congressman, said Obama’s legacy in Cuba includes changes that paved the way for the current moment, like giving Cubans the ability to visit family back on the island and taking off caps on sending money back, creating investment on the island.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
If a plane waits too long before taking off, ice can accumulate again, disrupting airflow and causing problems during the flight.
—Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026
The occupants of a commuter plane that crashed into a residential neighborhood shortly after taking off from Phoenix Deer Valley Airport could tell something was wrong with the plane's engine.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Oden went from starter to never taking off his sweats while freshman Tae Simmons was elevated to the backup power forward.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026
The fatal accident occurred on Monday when a Colombian Aerospace Force C-130 Hercules aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Puerto Leguizamo, a town in the Colombian Amazon.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
As Kasevich rolled into second base with his first double on Friday, the infielder unveiled a calm smile while taking off his batting gloves.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Later in the video, Joseph put his socks back on after taking off his shoes and socks, so an officer could check his feet.
—Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Garcia, the former Democratic congressman, said Obama’s legacy in Cuba includes changes that paved the way for the current moment, like giving Cubans the ability to visit family back on the island and taking off caps on sending money back, creating investment on the island.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
If a plane waits too long before taking off, ice can accumulate again, disrupting airflow and causing problems during the flight.
—Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026
The occupants of a commuter plane that crashed into a residential neighborhood shortly after taking off from Phoenix Deer Valley Airport could tell something was wrong with the plane's engine.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Oden went from starter to never taking off his sweats while freshman Tae Simmons was elevated to the backup power forward.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taking off
Verb
-
Season 3 of the show ended with Sully departing for Ireland to support his new girlfriend, Helen Culver (Kate Vernon), whose novel was being adapted for TV there.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
23 Mar. 2026
-
The Federal Aviation Administration has for years had a chronic shortage of air traffic controllers, who routinely put in overtime and work six-day weeks, while dealing with radar and communication systems that can briefly put them out of touch with incoming and departing aircraft.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But with Friday’s 131-113 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Bulls were officially eliminated from postseason contention, removing the last sliver of competition from the final two-week stretch of the season.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
-
While action has been quick in removing Chávez’s name, there has been plenty of debate on how best to move forward.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Willis represents a first move of building, not subtracting.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
-
This chicken is a great recipe to customize to your preferences, adding and subtracting fresh veggies to suit your taste.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Police have accused a man of robbing a convenience store in Fairfield earlier this month.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
26 Mar. 2026
-
And not only the best players but the oldest ones, robbing mid-majors of their great advantage — veteran rosters perfecting intricate offenses for years — back when power conferences trafficked in one-and-done stars amid more restrictive transfer regulations.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
McBride, making a hustle play midway through the third quarter of Tuesday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, grabbed at the same area that required surgery just two months ago before exiting the game for good.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
After swinging around the far side of the moon and exiting the lunar sphere of influence, three small burns will ensure Orion is on the right course for splashdown, with the last one occurring on the 10th day of the flight.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The union has proposed sharing the revenue without deducting expenses to secure a larger share of gross revenue for the players.—
Chantel Jennings,
New York Times,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Justice Department prosecutors also accused him of diverting money from his law firm to pay gambling debts and falsely deducting gambling debts as business expenses.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Number 17 in the current THSB Private Large Schools rankings, Grace Prep could be moving up in that poll next week after a 4-3 victory over No 4 Fort Worth Christian earlier this week.—
Mike Waters,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
-
With Mercury, Mars, the Sun, Saturn, and Neptune all moving through Aries this month, along with a new moon in your sign on April 17, the focus shifts decisively to your body, your appearance, and your desires.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In the center of town, Perryville House—with its garden-facing suites and Georgian architecture—makes a compelling case for putting off your departure.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Americans are also making other sacrifices, such as delaying a job change, putting off buying a new home or postponing growing their family.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Taking off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taking%20off. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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