Synonyms of took up

took up

verb

past tense of take up

1

as in lifted

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

• lifted
• raised
• elevated
• uplifted
• hoisted
• upheld
• boosted
• picked up
• heightened
• hiked
• upped
• heaved
• mounted
• hefted
• ascended
• perked (up)
• rose
• jacked (up)
• craned
• upraised
• reared
• upended

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dropped
• fell
• lowered
• slipped
• pushed
• descended
• pressed
• bore
• depressed
• plunged
• dipped
• pitched
• sank
• submerged

2

as in drank

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

• drank
• absorbed
• swallowed
• sucked (up)
• soaked (up)
• sipped
• imbibed
• sponged
• gulped
• swigged
• guzzled
• slurped
• quaffed
• swilled

3

as in borrowed

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

• borrowed
• adopted
• embraced
• took on
• took over
• espoused
• cultivated
• followed
• assimilated
• picked up on
• used
• utilized
• incorporated
• copied
• appropriated
• honored
• imitated
• quoted
• usurped
• brought up
• absorbed
• cherished
• naturalized
• domesticated
• treasured
• affected
• prized
• raised
• put on
• heeded
• simulated
• pretended
• fostered
• assumed
• arrogated
• nurtured
• reared

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gave up
• abandoned
• relinquished
• surrendered
• forsook
• rejected
• disowned
• abjured
• renounced
• spurned
• threw away
• repudiated
• threw out
• discarded
• abnegated
• jettisoned
• junked

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of took up

The faculty admissions board took up a formal review, and this past July, the Board of Regents moved to expedite a decision, which is expected by June 2027. — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

DeSantis’ office drafted the proposal lawmakers took up during a special legislative session focused on the property tax proposal. — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026

Officials did not give a breakdown of how many were deported and how many took up offers of voluntary repatriation. — Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Chekhov took up position beside a section of the wall still standing, keeping well within its shadow. — Vasily Grossman, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

In 1979, Jean-Louis Palladin arrived in Washington from Gascony, France, took up residence in the kitchen of the Watergate Hotel and proceeded to embarrass every serious cook in America. — Bart Hutchins, Washington Post, 12 June 2026

On June 9, 1846, American immigrants near Sonoma took up arms and captured a number of members of the Mexican military and their horses. — Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 12 June 2026

Six took up redistricting voluntarily, one was required to by its state constitution and another did so under court order. — David A. Lieb, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026

The board took up Chapman’s previous offer to reduce her hours and forgo her benefits next year. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026