Definitions

pick up

VERB

lift, raise

Synonyms

STRONGEST

gather take up

WEAK

elevate grasp hoist rear uphold uplift upraise uprear

Antonyms

WEAK

drop have lower release throw away

VERB

obtain, find

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acquire buy gain gather get have learn purchase score take

WEAK

annex chalk up come across compass cull extract garner get the hang of glean happen upon procure secure

Antonyms

STRONGEST

forfeit lose miss surrender yield

WEAK

release throw away

VERB

improve

Synonyms

STRONGEST

continue gain increase recover take up

WEAK

gain ground get better get well make a comeback mend perk up rally recommence renew reopen restart resume swell

Antonyms

WEAK

weaken worsen

VERB

call for socially

Synonyms

STRONGEST

collect get go for offer

WEAK

accompany drop in for give a lift go to get invite proposition stop for

VERB

arrest for crime

Synonyms

WEAK

apprehend book bust collar detain nab pinch pull in run-in take into custody

Antonyms

WEAK

free release

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That’s because a looming, powerful El Niño is expected to pick up where the Iran conflict leaves off.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

Thanks to rent forgiveness and government help, their businesses survived, and when the pandemic abated, business began to pick up.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

I think he procrastinates because he either doesn’t want to run errands for his 93-year-old mother or else he needs to pick up his mail.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

Anita was also carrying two bags and the couple still had a few more things to pick up.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Even at this distance, I pick up murmurs of thoughts.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

pick up

Example Sentences

Related Words