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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of taking up
Silk skirts are a staple of my travel wardrobe, taking up minimal suitcase space while stretching my outfit options.
—
Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 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
There are no indications that Congress is taking up the legislation.
—Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026
Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 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
There are no indications that Congress is taking up the legislation.
—Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 18 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
Verb
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Rose said Ye bought into her flattery and liked the idea of drinking booze and playing up his bigshot status.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2026
-
The couple had been drinking at the Abaco Inn and attempted to return to the yacht despite high winds and choppy seas, which Brian said caused Lynette to fall overboard.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
Verb
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When borrowing access shrinks, the impact is immediate and structural.—
Lola W. Brabham,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2026
-
Scientists have found a way to make a new class of gas-trapping glass easier to manufacture by borrowing a centuries-old principle from traditional glassmaking.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
4 May 2026
Verb
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Since the event’s conception in 2013, more than 60,000 donors have helped hundreds of nonprofit organizations in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties raising more than $117 million, according to the Sacramento Region Community Foundation.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
-
Clark’s legal team has also highlighted the role of the lead detective in the case, who was later convicted in an unrelated matter involving perjury and evidence tampering, further raising questions about the original investigation.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
Verb
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The court ruled that lawmakers had circumvented anti-gerrymandering standards passed by voters when adopting the prior map.—
David A. Lieb,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Anyone interested in donating to, fostering or adopting the chihuahuas can visit SMART Flagler's website.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
Verb
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The Jewish Theological Seminary has named Rabbi Mike Uram as its next chancellor, elevating a Jewish educator best known for his time as executive director of the University of Pennsylvania Hillel to lead Conservative Judaism’s flagship university and rabbinical school.—
Andrew Silow-Carroll,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
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What was initially thought to be a small number of caves has been proven otherwise through ongoing research, elevating Nottingham’s historical significance (with a reference to Robin Hood attached).—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
3 May 2026
Verb
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Over the last few years, developers of wind and solar projects, most of whom aren’t from here, have been absorbing the bulk of this smoldering, communal wariness.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
7 May 2026
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By 2008, New York City overhauled its building codes, fully absorbing the lessons of 9/11, with a focus on stair width, ceiling height, and airflow.—
Michelle Sinclair Colman,
Curbed,
7 May 2026
Verb
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But of recent, Clooney has been embracing the rising temperatures with something a little leggier.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
9 May 2026
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After a few minutes, your eyes gradually adjust, and the performers, the maybe-lovers, come into view, flesh on the ground, writhing and making out and embracing.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Taking up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taking%20up. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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