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taking over





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.

See Examples For:

And Freddie had his sights set on becoming a CPA and taking over his dad’s business.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 25, 2026

Rebels led by HTS overthrew long-time Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, with the group's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa taking over as president as the country rebuilds after more than 13 years of civil war.

From Barron's Aug. 24, 2026

Some critics have pointed out that the company is backed by private equity firms and is taking over local storefronts while directing profits back to veiled corporate headquarters.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 21, 2026

Games stocked with luxe toys and more are taking over arcades, and operators actually want customers to grab the goods—at least once or twice.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 21, 2026

He was scared we might not like him taking over.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns




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