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.

She earns about $140,000 at her job but picks up additional work to support her family.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

He picks up the story of his tongue: “They laid it out there and it was wiggling around,” he says, grinning before turning serious again.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

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

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

He referred to suspicious trading on April 7 that took place before morning trading in London normally picks up.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Teddy picks up his head and throws himself into her arms.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison