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
With thoughtful compartments that keep everything organized without taking up much space, this travel accessory is one Shortsleeve never leaves behind.
—
Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2026
A week after a 550-pound bear was evicted from under an Altadena home, another Altadena resident about a mile away reported a bear taking up residency under that home’s floorboards.
—Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Its foldable design with a snap closure keeps accessories organized, without taking up too much room in an everyday purse or carry-on bag.
—Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Though once invited to appear in a film by Michelangelo Antonioni, travel restrictions of the era kept him from taking up the role.
—Annika Pham, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Biesinger says working on his own projects, spending time with his family and taking up hobbies like metal detection offer ways to relieve stress and reconnect with his creativity.
—Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025
The teacher opted to try taking up the carpet herself on the last day of school, but later submitted a work order after the job turned out to be too difficult to complete herself, the letter reads.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2025
The Supreme Court is taking up another gun rights dispute in a case that could lead to more handguns in public places.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
With King Charles’ health deteriorating, the Prince and Princess of Wales are taking up more royal duties, and their efforts aren’t going unnoticed.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 27 Sep. 2025
Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2026
A week after a 550-pound bear was evicted from under an Altadena home, another Altadena resident about a mile away reported a bear taking up residency under that home’s floorboards.
—Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Its foldable design with a snap closure keeps accessories organized, without taking up too much room in an everyday purse or carry-on bag.
—Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Though once invited to appear in a film by Michelangelo Antonioni, travel restrictions of the era kept him from taking up the role.
—Annika Pham, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Biesinger says working on his own projects, spending time with his family and taking up hobbies like metal detection offer ways to relieve stress and reconnect with his creativity.
—Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025
The teacher opted to try taking up the carpet herself on the last day of school, but later submitted a work order after the job turned out to be too difficult to complete herself, the letter reads.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2025
The Supreme Court is taking up another gun rights dispute in a case that could lead to more handguns in public places.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
With King Charles’ health deteriorating, the Prince and Princess of Wales are taking up more royal duties, and their efforts aren’t going unnoticed.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 27 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taking up
Verb
-
In 2024, in first (partial) year in his new no-heavy-lifting sinecure, Lowy pocketed $351,050.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
-
With the shot clock running down, Lopez swung the ball back to the other side, with Sanders waiting to retrieve it after lifting from the corner.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Distilled water is often used for more than just drinking.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Charles has visited every continent on Earth, drinking rancid yak butter tea in Lhasa, snorkeling with sea lions in the Galapagos and even climbing an iceberg in Antarctica.—
Charles Q. Choi,
Space.com,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
By understanding these pros and cons, however, and by applying them to their unique borrowing circumstances, owners can boost their chances of borrowing success both in 2026 and, theoretically, over the years that follow, too.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
14 Jan. 2026
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The governors are meant to carefully raise and lower the cost of borrowing over time according to jobs and inflation data.—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
At the same time, venture capital money poured into AI startups with many raising funds at high valuations and little product.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Type One is also in the midst of raising a $250 million Series B at a $900 million pre-money valuation, according to sources and later confirmed by the company.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Environmental Commission, made up of City Council-named board members, is expected Wednesday to vote on adopting bird-friendly changes as part of the center’s new design.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Stay younger longer and stem the effects of aging by adopting simple micro-habits.—
Team Verywell Health,
Verywell Health,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Below, shop more pointed-toe heels (and a few flats) inspired by her outfit-elevating shoe.—
Kaelin Dodge,
InStyle,
13 Jan. 2026
-
In her three years as president of Santiago Canyon College, Jeannie Kim has taken the lead on a series of initiatives, with the goal of elevating the status of SCC from simply another community college to becoming a preferred choice for prospective students.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Vionic Orinda Ballet Flats Podiatrist-approved and Oprah-loved, these Vionic Orinda ballet flats feature a square-toe front, premium leather upper, a contoured footbed for arch support, and shock-absorbing cushioning for the ultimate all-day comfort.—
Alyssa Morin,
InStyle,
16 Jan. 2026
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Fabrics that aren't made for harsh weather conditions, especially cotton and linen, are prone to absorbing moisture, causing mold, mildew, and water stains.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
On November 19, 2025, the star stepped out for the film’s Berlin premiere, embracing the sheer trend in a sapphire gown that revealed a black bralette and silky boxer shorts underneath.—
Elle Meier,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
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While there’s certainly a place for these aesthetics, consumers are now forgoing this less-is-more POV and embracing warmth, color, and a decidedly live-in look.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Taking up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taking%20up. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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