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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.

Over the course of 14 months, BBC News has exposed the shocking reality of organised crime taking over high streets in England and Wales.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

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

He wanted to bring in someone like Rick Bowness, the veteran coach who in January led the Columbus Blue Jackets, then the worst team in the East, to a 19-3-4 run after taking over midseason.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Mourinho also had spells at Tottenham, Serie A side Roma, where he won the Europa Conference League in 2022, and Turkish club Fenerbahce, before taking over at Benfica.

From BBC • May 29, 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




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