TAKING UP Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

taking up

verb

present participle of take up

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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 taking up Some states are taking up the issue. —

Gretchen Morgenson, NBC news, 10 June 2026 Glasner’s two main assistant coaches, Michael Angerschmid and Ronald Brunmayr, had long since been responsible for set pieces but, earlier this year, that responsibility was shifted to Paddy McCarthy with greater success, resulting in the Irishman taking up the duties full time. —

Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026 While Elliott became the cast’s newest addition, Demi Moore was foregrounded as a major player, with her character Cami Miller taking up the mantle of MTEX CEO following her husband’s sudden death in Season 1. —

Kai Naima Williams, Variety, 27 May 2026 Its minimalist silhouette and hip-length hem pair effortlessly with shorts, skirts, or linen trousers, helping to stretch your travel wardrobe without taking up much suitcase space. —

Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026 The new Pittsburgh Public Schools board is once again taking up a controversial plan to close seven schools. —

Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 20 May 2026 The space will occupy 20,879 square feet, taking up a large amount of existing vacant space in the center, according to the Sacramento Business Journal. —

Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 13 May 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for taking up

Verb

Video taken by a member of the audience shows Swift rising from her seat and lifting her arms high above her head to give an enthusiastic standing ovation during the curtain call.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
The first touched down in Lady Lake, lifting roofs off homes and overturning mobile homes.

— Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026