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.

Chuck Maitland is a 35-year-old corporate copywriter—“lead copywriter,” he clarifies—who picks up Joey Halstead shortly after dumping his fiancée.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 10, 2026

While recording in a park one evening, Jack picks up the sound of a car tire exploding before he sees the vehicle careen off the road and into a creek.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2026

It’s unclear how countries will approach rebuilding their strategic petroleum reserves, and whether industrial demand picks up as producing countries potentially increase supplies, he said.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 2, 2026

The middle film picks up as Noah starts Oxford University and Nick focuses on his career, with new relationships and old conflicts threatening to pull them apart.

From BBC • Jun. 17, 2026

Then he picks up another block and sets it on top of his creation.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison