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Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Take” — 15 Other Ways to Say It

To grab, hold, or pick something up with your hands.

IPA: /teɪkɪŋ/Level: A1Register: neutralPart of speech: verb

Meanings of Take — Pick the Sense You Need

Take has 4 common meanings. The synonyms below are grouped by meaning so you can jump straight to the sense you need.

  1. Meaning #1 as a verb

    To grab, hold, or pick something up with your hands.

  2. Meaning #2 as a verb

    To carry, bring, or transport someone or something from one location to another.

  3. Meaning #3 as a verb

    To receive something that someone gives to you or that you choose to accept.

  4. Meaning #4 as a verb

    When something needs a certain amount of time to happen or be finished.

How to Pronounce Take

IPA: /teɪkɪŋ/ Stress: O

One syllable with the /eɪ/ diphthong (like the letter 'A'), followed by /k/ sound. Stress on the vowel.

Full pronunciation guide for take →

4 Synonyms for Take (Meaning #1 — as a verb)

These synonyms work when you use take as a verb. Meaning: To grab, hold, or pick something up with your hands.

hold

/həʊld/
verb A1

To keep something in your hands or arms, like holding a baby or holding a pencil.

Example: Please hold my hand while we cross the street.

4 Synonyms for Take (Meaning #2 — as a verb)

These synonyms work when you use take as a verb. Meaning: To carry, bring, or transport someone or something from one location to another.

carry

/ˈkæri/
verb A1

To hold something in your hands or arms and take it with you to another place.

Example: I carry my bag to school every day.

transport

/ˈtrænspɔrt/
noun A2

Ways or vehicles that move people and things between places.

Example: Public transport is important in cities.

4 Synonyms for Take (Meaning #3 — as a verb)

These synonyms work when you use take as a verb. Meaning: To receive something that someone gives to you or that you choose to accept.

accept

/əkˈsɛpt/
verb A2

To take or agree to something that is offered or given.

Example: She decided to accept the job offer.

receive

/rɪˈsiːv/
verb A1

To get something that is given or sent to you.

Example: I received a letter yesterday.

get

/ɡɛtʃ/
verb A1

To receive or obtain something; to come to have or own something you want.

Example: I get a new bicycle every few years.

4 Synonyms for Take (Meaning #4 — as a verb)

These synonyms work when you use take as a verb. Meaning: When something needs a certain amount of time to happen or be finished.

require

/rɪˈkwaɪr/
verb B2 Formal

To need something or demand that something must be done.

Example: This job requires excellent communication skills and experience.

need

/niːd/
verb A1

To have to have something; to want or require.

Example: I need water when I am thirsty.

demand

/dɪˈmænd/
verb B1

To ask for something in a strong, firm way that shows you expect to get it.

Example: The workers demanded higher wages and better working conditions.

consume

/kənˈsjuːm/
verb B1

To use something up or eat and drink something.

Example: Americans consume large amounts of sugar in their diet.

Smart Synonyms for Take — When to Use Each

grasp

for holding something firmly with purpose

grab

for quick or urgent seizing of something

seize

for forceful taking, often of control or opportunity

Antonyms of Take — Opposite Words

How to Use Take and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • Can you take my hand so we can cross the street safely? A1
  • I take the pen and start writing notes. A1
  • The child began to take the toy from the shelf carefully. A2
  • I take my daughter to the playground after school today. A1
  • Can you take this package to the post office for me? A1

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Take

What is another word for "take"?

Common synonyms for "take" include: grasp, grab, hold, seize, carry.

What can I say instead of "take"?

Try one of these alternatives: grasp, grab, hold, seize, carry. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "take" formal or informal?

"take" is generally used in neutral contexts.

When should I use "take" instead of "grasp"?

Use "take" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "grasp" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

What are the antonyms of "take"?

Words with the opposite meaning of "take" include: release, drop, let go, leave, abandon.

Explore “Take” in Other Tools