picks up

VERB

lift, raise

Synonyms

STRONGEST

gather take up

WEAK

elevate grasp hoist rear uphold uplift upraise uprear

Antonyms

WEAK

drop free have lower release spend throw away weaken worsen

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

fail forfeit lose miss misunderstand pass sell surrender yield

WEAK

drop free lower release spend throw away weaken worsen

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

STRONGEST

complete end finish lose miss

WEAK

drop free have lower release spend throw away 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

Antonyms

STRONGEST

surrender yield

WEAK

drop free have lower release spend throw away weaken worsen

VERB

arrest for crime

Synonyms

WEAK

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

Antonyms

WEAK

drop free have lower release spend throw away weaken worsen

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.

These features develop when the air picks up heat and moisture from the ocean surface.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

UK government borrowing fell to a three-year low for the year to March, dropping to £132bn, but analysts expect borrowing to worsen through the year if inflation picks up.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Besides, there are few better indicators that the previously taboo has gone mainstream than when TV picks up the strap.

From Salon • May 4, 2026

When we get past this winter, the base case could be that activity picks up.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

He carefully picks up the thin gold chain.

From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone