Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com

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.

So was Slot purely the beneficiary of taking over ready-made title winners then simply steering them to glory?

From BBC • May 30, 2026

The 27-year-old Doncic, who was born in Slovenia and started his professional career with Real Madrid in Spain, is part of a recent wave of international stars taking over the NBA.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Le Peuch has transformed the company since taking over in 2019 with an asset-light operating model and emphasis on energy technology.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

She saw the effects first hand in customer service, when bots were taking over tasks like scheduling missed pickups for a sanitation company.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Besides, she already imagined taking over the running of Zoe, turning it into a vibrant, relevant companion for Nigerian women, and—who knew—perhaps one day buying out Aunty Onenu.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie




Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "taking over" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com