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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.

"Alan coming and taking over at Pitlochry has been a huge shot of adrenaline to Scottish theatre and I think we both want to come back and give stuff back to Scotland," says Masson.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

Warsh is taking over for Jerome Powell, whom Trump picked during his first presidential term.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

Robert Wright was named CEO of Wendy’s, taking over amid years of weak sales, falling traffic, and investor frustration.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Like thousands of other civil servants, Paul's pension has been delayed as a result of outsourcing firm Capita taking over administration of the entire pension scheme.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

The next thing I want to tell you about jellyfish is this: They are taking over.

From "The Thing About Jellyfish" by Ali Benjamin




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