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

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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 The model credits pasture for taking up carbon but does not count the carbon carried away in wool and livestock as leaving the system. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026 One-and-done dressing means one less outfit to plan—and fewer pieces taking up precious suitcase space. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026 Sort the list, prep the meal, or handle the task that has been quietly taking up brain space. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026 This is supportive energy for closure, rest, or releasing a feeling that has been taking up too much room behind the scenes. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026 Indeed, so much so that there are suggestions that the people from better-off backgrounds are taking up many of the limited number of places. — Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for taking up

Verb

The machine can also carry out lifting operations independently, according to the company.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Others have called for lifting the cap, but only above a certain income threshold.

— Kevin Freking, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of lifting

Verb

Rouser said financial-aid counselors talk with students about borrowing responsibly and, when appropriate, using student-loan refunds to cover expenses beyond what the university bills them for.

— Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Schulz compared younger Americans increasing their credit scores with a new driver borrowing Mom or Dad’s car.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of borrowing

Verb

Defense attorneys in both cases argued that the defendants’ intent was in question, raising in argument the possibility that their clients were not trying to cause serious bodily injury or death.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Enacting a solution is liable to be a significant political battle, likely involving cutting benefits for some Americans or raising taxes on higher earners, or both.

— Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of raising

Verb

Dark, light-absorbing particles turn into light-scattering particles, transforming dark, dense plumes into the milky white haze seen drifting across the eastern skies.

— Michael A. Robinson, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
Great at absorbing moisture while still preventing the growth of bacteria, these socks will dry quickly and minimize irritation.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of absorbing

Verb

The War Horse reported on VA-medical-center policies that recommended discharging most patients from therapy after just eight sessions (far too few, according to many providers), an approach that the VA has denied adopting.

— Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Summary Travelers are rapidly adopting AI for trip planning, with over half already using it and 75% planning future use, significantly outpacing the industry.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of adopting

Verb

Its reinvention has been a remarkable one, and for now, investors seem to be embracing the new direction.

— Arjun Kharpal,Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Even so, as the 2026 season comes to an end, Clark is not taking the route some other athletes in his situation might choose – embracing becoming the villain.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026