taking over

NOUN

accession

Synonyms

STRONG

assumption attainment inauguration induction investment succession

WEAK

taking on

Antonyms

WEAK

decline disagreement dispute fall repudiation

NOUN

adoption

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acceptance approval enactment endorsement maintenance ratification

STRONG

approbation appropriation assumption choice confirmation embracement embracing espousal following selection support

WEAK

taking on taking up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disapproval opposition refusal rejection

WEAK

pass repudiation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for taking over?

Taking over can mean the same thing as taking control. In this sense, it often means taking complete control. A dictator might be said to be taking over the government during a coup, for example. The noun takeover can refer to such a situation, as in government takeover. Taking over can also mean taking charge—assuming a position of authority, as in The new board president is taking over after this month. It can also mean assuming responsibility (for someone else) in a situation, as in Mary will be taking over my volunteering duties, so please direct all questions to her. To take over responsibility for someone in this way is to relieve them or fill in for them. Sometimes, saying that someone is taking over implies that they are ousting someone else (kicking them out and replacing them). Taking over can also mean becoming the dominant new thing, as in A new dance craze is taking over the country. This sense is often used in the context of nature, as in Due to a lack of natural predators, the insect is taking over. A word that means something similar is dominate.

How do you use taking over in a sentence?

Taking over is the continuous tense (-ing form) of the verb phrase take over. It has several different shades of meaning and can be used in many different circumstances. Here are some examples of taking over in a sentence:

The movie is about a space warlord taking over an entire galaxy.
Our department is taking over the project in an attempt to finish it on time.
My promotion involves me taking over several new accounts.
The new fashion trend is taking over this season.

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.

Arbeloa was a youth coach in Madrid before taking over as interim manager following the departure of Xabi Alonso in January.

From BBC • Jul. 7, 2026

Summer came too early to Europe's most important rice growing region and weeds are taking over Sharon Angoli's parched paddies in Italy's Pavia province.

From Barron's • Jul. 4, 2026

It recently announced Kunal Shah, the founder of an Indian fintech start-up, would be taking over as head of the platform - with Will Cathcart stepping down after seven years in the role.

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026

Anyone watching the Dodgers broadcast last Wednesday saw Roberts put his arm around catcher Dalton Rushing’s shoulders after a rough first two innings led to Ohtani taking over calling the pitches.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2026

Even as the epidemics hit, Stearman learned, the group was fighting the white cattle ranchers who were taking over the region.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

taking over

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

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