take time

phrase

1
: to need or require time to happen or be done
You have to be patient. Things like this take time.
It may take some time for the medication to wear off.
The meeting won't take too much time.
This job is easy and will take no time at all.
2
or take the time : to use an amount of time in order to do something important
They never took the time to get to know her.
I took some time to think about it, and my answer is still "no."

Examples of take time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The majority of the provisions in the law will take time to implement and not immediately help the cost of rent and ownership in America. Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026 This process can take time, and money often sits in limbo while banks reconcile the error. Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026 But my sense is that Detroit is focused on conducting a thorough search, and that’s going to take time. Max Bultman, New York Times, 30 July 2026 The wife got too caught up in the pursuit and didn’t take time to make sure everything was handled properly. Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for take time

Cite this Entry

“Take time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20time. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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