TAKE Synonyms: 549 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'take' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of take are clutch , grab , grasp , seize , and snatch . While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control. // take some salad from the bowl

Q: In what contexts can 'clutch' take the place of 'take'?

In some situations, the words clutch and take are roughly equivalent. However, clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding. // clutching her purse

Q: How are the words 'grab' and 'snatch' related as synonyms of 'take'?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch . // grabbed roughly by the arm

Q: Where would 'grasp' be a reasonable alternative to 'take'?

While the synonyms grasp and take are close in meaning, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession. // grasp the handle and pull

Q: When is 'seize' a more appropriate choice than 'take'?

While in some cases nearly identical to take , seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible. // seized the suspect

Q: How do 'snatch' and 'seize' relate to one another, in the sense of 'take'?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize . // snatched a doughnut and ran

take 1 of 2

verb

ˈtāk

Definition of take next

as in to hold

to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms take my hand, or we'll get separated in this crowd

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Relevance

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as in to have

to agree to receive whether willingly or reluctantly will you take that call? took a cut in pay

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as in to get

to become affected with (a disease or disorder) if you don't cover your head in this weather, you'll take cold and be stuck inside all weekend

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as in to choose

to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities you can take the white side this time, since I got to be white for our last chess game

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as in to buy

to get possession of (something) by giving money in exchange for I'll take two cheeseburgers to go, please

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as in to need

to have as a requirement it will take a lot of courage to stand up for what is right

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as in to accommodate

to make or have room for I think we can take two more in this elevator

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as in to work

to produce a desired effect it will be a few hours before this medication takes

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as in to stand

to put up with (something painful or difficult) I can't take anymore of your whining about your former boyfriend

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as in to believe

to regard as right or true I think we can take his word for it

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as in to overcome

to achieve a victory over I know we can take that team

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as in to manage

to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently let's take each problem separately

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as in to receive

to offer entrance (as to a place, school, or privilege) to the school takes only a small percentage of the thousands of applicants

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as in to kill

to deprive of life I never thought heart disease would take such an athletic and health-conscious person

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take

2 of 2

noun

as in reaction

action or behavior that is done in return to other action or behavior what's your take on the announcement that the senior vice president is taking an early retirement?

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as in yield

the total amount collected or obtained especially at one time who will win the poker tournament and collect the whole take?

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as in share

something belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual member of a group because there were so many winners of the jackpot, each person's take will be smaller than expected

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as in interpretation

a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play) despite its contemporary setting, this take on King Lear isn't particularly novel or insightful

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word take different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of take are clutch, grab, grasp, seize, and snatch. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.

take some salad from the bowl

In what contexts can clutch take the place of take?

In some situations, the words clutch and take are roughly equivalent. However, clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How are the words grab and snatch related as synonyms of take?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

Where would grasp be a reasonable alternative to take?

While the synonyms grasp and take are close in meaning, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

When is seize a more appropriate choice than take?

While in some cases nearly identical to take, seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

seized the suspect

How do snatch and seize relate to one another, in the sense of take?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

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

Verb

Kulusevski has featured in all 38 of Tottenham’s fixtures this season across four competitions and that workload is obviously taking a toll. —

Jay Harris, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025 The Huntersville Board of Commissioners takes the final vote on March 18. —

Laura Barrero, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025

Noun

Between takes, the cast would be blasted by hair dryers to remove sweat patches from their clothes, raising their body temperatures even higher. —

Charlie Campbell, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025 Known for her outspoken views, many were hoping for a fiery post-inauguration take. —

Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for take

Recent Examples of Synonyms for take

Verb

Now, the two senators want to hold the president to his pledge.

— Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
Also on Tuesday, the City Council is scheduled to hold a workshop to review the downtown classic car cruise.

— Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025