takeover

1 of 2

noun

take·​over ˈtāk-ˌō-vər How to pronounce takeover (audio)
Synonyms of takeovernext
: the action or an act of taking over

take over

2 of 2

verb

took over; taken over; taking over; takes over

transitive verb

: to assume control or possession of or responsibility for
military leaders took over the government

intransitive verb

1
: to assume control or possession
2
: to become dominant

Examples of takeover in a Sentence

Noun The government experienced a military takeover in 2002. the new government's high-handed takeover of private industries Verb I'll take over for her until she gets back from her morning break. took over the responsibility of caring for the animals
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
City leaders argue that public ownership would lower costs, but PG&E disputes the plan, claiming a takeover would increase rates. Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026 That triggered a Texas law allowing Morath to replace the school board and superintendent and name a conservator to oversee the takeover process. Samuel O’Neal 23, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
While Jaquez led the way in the first half, Betts took over in the second, with a double-double in the second half alone. Felicia Keller, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026 By taking five of a possible six points over the weekend, the Vikings take over first place in the CCHA, two points ahead of the Tommies and Michigan Tech. Dean Spiros, Twin Cities, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for takeover

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1910, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1618, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of takeover was in 1618

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Takeover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/takeover. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

take over

verb
(ˈ)tā-ˈkō-vər
: to get control or possession of or responsibility for something
takeover
ˈtā-ˌkō-vər
noun

Legal Definition

takeover

noun
take·​over ˈtāk-ˌō-vər How to pronounce takeover (audio)
: the acquisition of control or possession (as of a corporation)
a hostile takeover

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