TAKE HOLD Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

take hold

phrase

Definition of take hold

as in work

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of take hold And some more widely acceptable traditions have already started to take hold. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 7 July 2026 Type 1 is an autoimmune disease that most often takes hold in childhood. — Adam Cohen, Oklahoman, 7 July 2026 Whether that shift fully takes hold depends on how the science develops from here. — Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026 Heat builds once again late in the week as a more typical midsummer pattern takes hold. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for take hold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for take hold

take effect

Phrase

Smashed and confiscated Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have ordered government employees, judges, police and members of the military to stop using smartphones under a directive that took effect June 16.

— Fatima Faizi, NPR, 10 July 2026
Trump had 10 days until the Friday deadline to sign the bill, issue a veto, or allow the measure to take effect without his signature.

— Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026