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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.

Volkswagen has confirmed it is in talks with defence companies about taking over one of its smaller plants in the city of Osnabrueck, where production is due to end as part of its cost-cutting drive.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

Since taking over as the clear title favourite he has claimed he "doesn't care" about the expectation.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

Weiss has made significant changes to CBS News’ roster of talent, programming and operations since taking over last October following Paramount’s purchase of her news and opinion platform, the Free Press, for $150 million.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 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

“Okay, well, I’m taking over your bathroom now. Time for the transformation.”

From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli

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