Synonyms of take over

take over 1 of 2

verb

1

as in to substitute

to serve as a replacement usually for a time only

I'll take over for her until she gets back from her morning break

Synonyms & Similar Words

• substitute
• stand in
• fill in
• spell
• step in
• cover
• sub
• pinch-hit
• double (as)
• relieve
• understudy

2

as in to accept

to take to or upon oneself

took over the responsibility of caring for the animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accept
• assume
• shoulder
• bear
• undertake
• take up
• embrace
• adopt
• stand by
• advocate
• uphold
• support
• endorse
• back
• accede
• espouse
• champion
• acquiesce
• consent
• agree
• reaccept
• assent
• reassume

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• take back
• withdraw
• repudiate
• refuse
• disavow
• renounce
• turn down
• disown
• retract
• disclaim
• refrain (from)
• reject
• abjure
• abstain (from)
• recant
• avoid
• decline
• spurn
• forbear
• give up
• bypass
• relinquish
• abandon
• forsake
• surrender
• unsay
• detour
• back down
• back off
• backtrack
• abnegate

3

as in to seize

to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right

students protesting the war took over the college's radio station

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seize
• occupy
• convert
• steal
• confiscate
• grab
• usurp
• appropriate
• pirate
• invade
• claim
• commandeer
• annex
• preempt
• arrogate
• assume
• expropriate
• press
• snatch
• loot
• attach
• impound
• trespass
• grasp
• sequester
• encroach
• infringe
• repossess
• preoccupy
• wrench
• pillage
• collar
• despoil
• embezzle
• wrest
• misuse
• peculate
• misapply
• misappropriate

takeover

2 of 2

noun

ˈtāk-ˌō-vər 

as in seizure

the unlawful taking or withholding of something from the rightful owner under a guise of authority

the new government's high-handed takeover of private industries

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seizure
• appropriation
• annexation
• usurpation
• invasion
• expropriation
• preemption
• theft
• occupancy
• commandeering
• occupation
• misuse
• arrogation
• grab
• confiscation
• stripping
• infringement
• repossession
• assumption
• embezzlement
• encroachment
• sequestration
• looting
• detainer
• pillaging
• misappropriation
• impoundment
• peculation
• piracy
• misapplication
• despoilment
• defalcation
• ejection
• attachment
• trespass
• dispossession
• preoccupancy
• disfurnishment
• deforcement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of take over

Verb

Instead of the senior Heisman finalist leading the Horns, who were playing for their second title in five seasons, true freshman Garrett Gilbert took over. — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Miami starter Janson Junk gave up one run and five hits in three innings before the Marlins’ bullpen took over. — Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026

Noun

All the existing Autry flagships were opened after Style Capital’s takeover in 2024. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026

Diop’s takeover will mark the third commission by Miu Miu during Art Basel Paris, with Goshka Macuga’s Tales and Tellers (2024) and Helen Marten’s 30 Blizzards. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 14 Sep. 2026