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.
Plus, with complex models, getting that authentic BBQ flavor can take time to master. New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026 Those shifts take time to adapt to — and that is particularly true with a player like Mbeumo. Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 Those questions take time to work through—particularly when the needs of the business and family are constantly evolving. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026 Many faculty take time to talk about email with students or include a list of email do’s and don’ts in their course syllabus. Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 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 18 Aug. 2026.

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