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

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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 Gen Z is taking up analog hobbies, ditching dating apps and spending real time at the mall again. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026 The queen-sized bed remains grand without feeling imposing or taking up your entire bedroom, largely thanks to its lower headboard height and nearly invisible wooden legs. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026 Much was spoken about the positions Ronaldo was taking up in their opening game, often keeping himself offside when DR Congo pushed up the pitch. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Rather than having cluttered and mismatched products taking up precious space, Hamid recommends unifying products. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2026 Marco Colon, 14, is taking up boxing with Plaza now, as is Eugene Garcia, 18. — Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 24 June 2026 Since taking up farming in 2019, Clarkson has become an outspoken agriculture advocate who has railed against the government’s decision to introduce inheritance tax on farmland in November 2024. — ABC News, 17 June 2026 Some states are taking up the issue. — Gretchen Morgenson, NBC news, 10 June 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for taking up

Verb

Kennedy has publicly advocated for lifting restrictions on peptides and talked up their benefits.

— Will Stone, NPR, 23 July 2026
What changes in September is whether the law stands between the ground the tribes consider to be sacred and the mining that lifting these protections might enable.

— Kerri J. Malloy, The Conversation, 23 July 2026

Definition of lifting

Verb

The weather service said people should take precautions like drinking plenty of fluids, using air conditioning and taking breaks from time in the sun.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Studies show that drinking orange juice daily can reduce your risk of fatty liver disease.

— Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 July 2026

Definition of drinking

Verb

Twain wrote or co-wrote the majority of the album, borrowing heavily from country, blues, gospel, soul, and rock—textures better suited to her lower register than the pop stylings of her last two releases.

— Amanda Wicks, Pitchfork, 25 July 2026
Berman also pressed his advantage as a first mover, borrowing capital from large financial firms that wanted to get into the market.

— Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026

Definition of borrowing

Verb

Jackson would also need to scramble to make up a fundraising gulf against Collins, who has been raising money for months.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
In Canada, public health messaging has focused on raising awareness among adolescents and their caregivers after 2026 reports that the challenge resurfaced among youth.

— Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 24 July 2026

Definition of raising

Verb

The Works is a lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizer for your body in any stage, helping to hydrate and tone, boost elasticity, tighten crepiness, and replenish texture.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
On the road, the bZ’s suspension prioritizes ride comfort over corner-carving theatrics, absorbing rough pavement pretty well while maintaining enough body control to avoid feeling too floaty.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 July 2026

Definition of absorbing

Verb

For Toyota, maintaining leadership may require adopting faster decision-making, shorter development cycles and greater organisational flexibility.

— Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
The summer of soccer continues — that is the tagline Wrexham are adopting for a tour to build on the men’s World Cup, as well as the club’s strong North American links.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 24 July 2026