TAKE UP Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

take up

verb

Definition of take up

as in to lift

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

as in to drink

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

as in to borrow

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

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 up This week, the club announced the arrival of German fitness coach Benjamin Kugel, who will take up a role with the first team. — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 10 July 2026 LaVine said he’s been healthy since the offseason began and took up golf the last few weeks to prepare for this week’s tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026 Lizzie is a multisport athlete, having taken up bocce ball several years ago and competing at the state level last year. — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 With YouTube taking up a large portion of viewers’ time in front of the TV, Disney Plus, Netflix, HBO Max, and other streamers are looking for other ways to capture their attention. — Emma Roth, The Verge, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for take up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for take up

Verb

The crew took part in rescuing a 47-year-old man who was pulled out of the rubble eight days after the quakes hit, lifting the spirits and morale of rescuers who up until then were primarily uncovering human remains.

— Seamus Bozeman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Elsewhere in the city, several heavy trucks were lifted and moved as far 30 meters by the winds.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of lift

Verb

Others borrow from aviation, where leasing is common, so satellite leasing now lets operators rent a spacecraft instead of owning one, freeing capital for newer entrants.

— Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
This would have voters authorize Miami-Dade to sell bonds, the investment vehicle that allows local governments to borrow money at a lower rate than private banks would offer.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

Definition of borrow

Verb

Even Realities has largely been funded by Chinese-origin venture firms including CDH Investments, Monolith Management and CVC Capital, and raised an undisclosed sum from Unicorn Capital Partners and Cyanhill Capital in January.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 July 2026
In a landmark 2023 deal, Regan secured a statewide $25 wage floor for healthcare workers after qualifying initiatives to raise industry wages in Los Angeles and other cities.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of raise

Verb

The Cohesion 18 sneakers are outfitted with a thick, supportive sole that absorbs impact and offers stability, a rubber outsole for traction, and a sockliner to prevent friction burn and blisters.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
Creators now hold more leverage — often keeping ownership and creative control — a shift from the old model of studios simply absorbing influencers into existing productions.

— Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of absorb

Verb

Morocco are already Africa’s history makers, but one more win would elevate them beyond the continental lens they’ve been viewed through up until now.

— Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
Here, two interior design experts share their go-to tricks for elevating your bathroom without overspending.

— Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026

Definition of elevate

Verb

Pippa Middleton embraced a breezy summer look while attending Wimbledon in London.

— Charlie Carballo, USA Today, 8 July 2026
The strategy embraced by Delta and rivals American Airlines and United Airlines marks a notable evolution for an industry that spent decades making air travel more accessible.

— Rio Yamat, Fortune, 7 July 2026