TOOK HOLD Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

took hold

phrase

past tense of take hold

as in worked

to produce a desired effect It was clear in the students' essays that her lessons had taken hold.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of took hold The same feeling took hold in the build-up to the 2022 World Cup final. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026 The phrase took hold before the World Cup during a news conference ahead of the Liga MX playoffs. — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 Still, the circular design took hold in the popular imagination, giving it added meaning this anniversary. — Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 The shift has partially reversed a trend that took hold after the Iran war broke out. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for took hold

took effect

Phrase

Ortega and Murillo further expanded their authority through sweeping constitutional changes that took effect in 2025.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
The policy, which took effect Wednesday, July 1, marks a major shift from the flexible telework arrangements many state workers have had since the COVID-19 pandemic.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026