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
Meta has amassed a user base of more than 3 billion worldwide through the takeover of emerging social media platforms. — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 30 June 2026 GameStop's takeover pursuit adds a headline catalyst, but the more durable thesis is that eBay's own operating momentum is improving. — Tony Zhang, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Verb
Try Aidani, Athiri or Mavrotragano when curiosity takes over. — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 This integration shows how warehouse robots may start taking over more of that middle work between the truck and the warehouse floor. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 June 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

See All Rhymes for takeover

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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on takeover

Nglish: Translation of takeover for Spanish Speakers

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