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
Relevance
2
as in to accept
to take to or upon oneself
took over the responsibility of caring for the animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of take over
Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026
Joash Amupitan, a law professor and Tinubu appointee, took over as the agency’s head last October.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Steve Large, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
That reduces follow-up scams, fake security alerts and account takeover attempts.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for take over
Verb
An additional challenge is that the Bay Area Brewers Guild, which puts on SF Beer Week, is currently run by a single person, Sayre Piotrkowski, who took over as executive director last summer.
—Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026
Joash Amupitan, a law professor and Tinubu appointee, took over as the agency’s head last October.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
The Manteca City Council is now proposing new penalties to prevent cyclists from street takeovers, impounding bikes for 30 days and charging $200 for a first offence and $400 for a second.
—Steve Large, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
That reduces follow-up scams, fake security alerts and account takeover attempts.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for take over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for take over
Verb
-
And in all matters large and small, progressives could substitute their own wisdom for the wisdom of God.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Feb. 2026
-
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The retail space is needed to provide the shopping experience for residents coming in during the weeks and the warehouse space is for accepting goods from distribution centers and donations from the community.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Singer-songwriter Eric Nam accepted Rob Rausch's invitation from the previous episode to become a traitor.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In San Mateo County, 20 victims were recovered; in Contra Costa County, 17; and in Santa Clara County, seven victims were recovered, two traffickers arrested, and a firearm seized, according to authorities.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Against the odds, Ukraine managed to repel the initial Russian attack on Kyiv and, within a few months, took back large swaths of land originally seized by Moscow.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The 2020 election has become a prime interest of Gabbard’s, who, in addition to being on the scene for the Fulton County search, was involved in another investigation that prompted the seizure of voting machines in Puerto Rico.—
Rebecca Beitsch,
The Hill,
16 Feb. 2026
-
This violates the 4th Amendment, which protects people (including noncitizens) from unreasonable searches and seizures in their homes.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Duvall has a supporting role in the movie as Mason Hawk, who is a stand in for the various donors that supported the Masonic Home.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The office also is important because all Illinois residents must deal with it (or stand in line it) at one point or another, so efficient service is paramount.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But as Burnett’s television empire grew, other executive producers like Tom Shelly and Doug McCallie assumed the role of overseeing the day-to-day filming logistics, with Burnett still signing off on key creative elements.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Some people assume any gold purchase is automatically reported to the government.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
One of China’s most influential cultural figures, Wang is not simply a celebrity endorsement but occupies a rare position at the intersection of youth identity, entertainment, and fashion authority.—
Yiling Pan,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
-
They're arranged in haphazard rows, with Andrew Jackson occupying a prime front spot simply because the owner likes his hair.—
Danielle Paquette The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While the bill doesn't include a dollar amount, DeLano said the plan is to request $50 million in appropriations later in the session.—
ALEX ROZIER Mississippi Today,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
-
With a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) fast approaching, all but one Democratic Senator voted against advancing an appropriations bill to fund the department.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Take over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/take%20over. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
