take time

idiom

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.
Although river flooding could take time to recede, the NWS said the rain's intensity would drop later on Friday. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025 The best way to develop emotional intelligence and a growth mindset is to take time daily/weekly to reflect on your progress, wins, and losses, and undertake exercises to understand what triggered your actions. Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 According to a survey from the American Medical Association, physicians' offices spend an average of 12 hours per week seeking approval for services from insurers, administrative hurdles that critics say take time away from providing care. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 23 June 2025 The investigation into whether her death was a tragedy or a crime will take time. Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 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 11 Jul. 2025.

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