See More

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

\/\/ take<\/em> some salad from the bowl<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'clutch' take the place of 'take'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words clutch<\/em><\/a> and take<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, clutch<\/em> suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.<\/p>

\/\/ clutching<\/em> her purse<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are the words 'grab' and 'snatch' related as synonyms of 'take'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Grab<\/em><\/a> implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>

\/\/ grabbed<\/em> roughly by the arm<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'grasp' be a reasonable alternative to 'take'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms grasp<\/em><\/a> and take<\/em> are close in meaning, grasp<\/em> stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.<\/p>

\/\/ grasp<\/em> the handle and pull<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'seize' a more appropriate choice than 'take'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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

\/\/ seized<\/em> the suspect<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do 'snatch' and 'seize' relate to one another, in the sense of 'take'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Snatch<\/em><\/a> suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>

\/\/ snatched<\/em> a doughnut and ran<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is the word 'take' different from other verbs like it?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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

\/\/ take<\/em> some salad from the bowl<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'clutch' take the place of 'take'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words clutch<\/em><\/a> and take<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, clutch<\/em> suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.<\/p>

\/\/ clutching<\/em> her purse<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are the words 'grab' and 'snatch' related as synonyms of 'take'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Grab<\/em><\/a> implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>

\/\/ grabbed<\/em> roughly by the arm<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'grasp' be a reasonable alternative to 'take'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms grasp<\/em><\/a> and take<\/em> are close in meaning, grasp<\/em> stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.<\/p>

\/\/ grasp<\/em> the handle and pull<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'seize' a more appropriate choice than 'take'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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

\/\/ seized<\/em> the suspect<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do 'snatch' and 'seize' relate to one another, in the sense of 'take'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Snatch<\/em><\/a> suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>

\/\/ snatched<\/em> a doughnut and ran<\/p>" } } ] }

take 1 of 2

verb

ˈtāk How to pronounce take (audio)
Definition of takenext
1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to have
to agree to receive whether willingly or reluctantly will you take that call? took a cut in pay

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to buy
to get possession of (something) by giving money in exchange for I'll take two cheeseburgers to go, please

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to need
to have as a requirement it will take a lot of courage to stand up for what is right

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in to accommodate
to make or have room for I think we can take two more in this elevator

Synonyms & Similar Words
8
as in to work
to produce a desired effect it will be a few hours before this medication takes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in to stand
to put up with (something painful or difficult) I can't take anymore of your whining about your former boyfriend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
10
as in to believe
to regard as right or true I think we can take his word for it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
11
as in to overcome
to achieve a victory over I know we can take that team

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
12
as in to manage
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently let's take each problem separately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
13
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
14
as in to kill
to deprive of life I never thought heart disease would take such an athletic and health-conscious person

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

take

2 of 2

noun

1
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?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in yield
the total amount collected or obtained especially at one time who will win the poker tournament and collect the whole take?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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
Your 9th House of Exploration takes focus as the emotional Moon squares warrior Mars, challenging you to teach rather than win. —Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026 Millions to be made At least 18 FBI and Homeland Security Investigations have taken the stand, including a senior FBI forensics recovery expert who retrieved Whatsapp text messages from a laptop at Veintemilla’s Miramar offices. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
The, um, spin on one death elicits a smile, mostly because of Weaving’s disgusted takes. —Michael Ordoña, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Mar. 2026 But there’s also a surge of new takes using race at the center. —Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for take
Recent Examples of Synonyms for take
  1. hold
  2. have
  3. get
  4. choose
  5. buy
  6. need
  7. accommodate
  8. work
Verb
  • Lawmakers have been briefed by the State Department and the Pentagon in a classified setting, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Armed Services Committee have yet to hold hearings on the war.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Prosecutors say Agee allegedly held the teen at his home in the 19400 block of Lindsay Street on Detroit's west side.
    — Heath Kalb, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of hold
Verb
  • When Shahed drones first appeared in autumn 2022, Ukraine had few ways to stop them.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
  • View this post on Instagram Montijo and Ariston Ripoyla, who is also a b-boy breakdancer, have a passion for art, especially in uplifting local Stockton artists.
    — Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of have
Verb
  • Store it all in the ski locker room, and getting slopeside is a breeze.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Heritage took the 2-1 lead in the second half when Atkins got the score off an Emersen Andries assist and the Panthers’ defense held on late to advance.
    — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of get
Verb
  • Hearing there may be more options to choose from on his way home is a delicious thought.
    — Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • That has to be done in advance, and travelers also have to choose biometric screening in their airline apps.
    — Shannon Bond, NPR, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of choose
Verb
  • Part of the funding will go to buy a mobile health unit, which will travel to these areas to provide care for the patients and invaluable experience under the supervision of clinical staff.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
  • White House officials argue the waiver allows US partners to buy oil that China would have purchased anyway.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of buy
Verb
  • The president then urged Senate Republicans to combine all of those bills and amendments into one piece of legislation, eliminate the filibuster, and skip their two-week Easter recess, due to start at the end of this week, if needed to pass it.
    — Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 23 Mar. 2026
  • And Wright will need to explain how the administration’s latest emergency measure to keep oil flowing, a temporary sanctions waiver on Iran itself, won’t undermine US military objectives.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of need
Verb
  • There have been controversies and debates over the extent to which the military should accommodate religious expression.
    — BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
  • That is sending companies ​scrambling to accommodate the extra urgency as China makes progress toward its own 2030 moon ​landing.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of accommodate
Verb
  • Those quirks, those contradictions, work quite well for me.
    — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Under that legislation, state and local law enforcement agencies are prohibited from working with reality TV shows.
    — Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of work

Phrases Containing take

Browse Nearby Words

taipans
take
take aback
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Take.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/take. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on take

Nglish: Translation of take for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of dross

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Are You Misusing These 10 Common Words?

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

12 Words for Signs of Spring

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Mar. 27

Why do we call it a 'pipe dream'?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

Are You Misusing These 10 Common Words?

12 Words for Signs of Spring

The Opposite of Déjà Vu
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
little boy with a magnifying glass looking at footprints
Quiz: Spot the Misspelled Word! Think you can detect a spelling error from a mile...
See All