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

Synonyms of takeover

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Noun

Verb

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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
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.
Noun
This summer has been marked by police pursuits, street takeovers and fatal crashes that have claimed the lives of innocent pedestrians and sent scores of riders to the emergency room. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 The full council has twice discussed teen takeovers but did not vote on the issue either time, sending the debate into its third month as new ideas keep coming. — Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
Conversations began months ago, after Jolly took over as the Angels’ president and replaced longtime executive and ally John Carpino in April. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026 John Ternus, who takes over as CEO today, will now have to confront Apple’s AI era. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 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

Phrases Containing takeover

Rhymes for takeover

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Browse Nearby Words

take out insurance on
takeover
take over
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Cite this Entry

“Takeover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/takeover. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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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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